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Aschoff bodies in an operatively excised mitral valve
1Pathology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland USA.
Summary
Aschoff bodies, indicative of rheumatic fever, are rarely found in heart valves. This case demonstrates these granulomas in an excised mitral valve, suggesting they occur during acute rheumatic carditis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Rheumatic Heart Disease
Background:
- Aschoff bodies are considered pathognomonic for rheumatic fever.
- Histologic descriptions typically focus on myocardial locations.
- Aschoff bodies in heart valves are considered uncommon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the occurrence of Aschoff bodies in an excised mitral valve.
- To suggest that Aschoff bodies can be found in valve tissue during acute rheumatic carditis.
Main Methods:
- Histologic examination of an excised mitral valve.
- Identification of typical granulomatous lesions consistent with Aschoff bodies.
Main Results:
- Typical Aschoff bodies were identified within the mitral valve tissue.
- This finding supports the presence of Aschoff bodies in valvular tissue.
Conclusions:
- Aschoff bodies can occur in heart valves during acute rheumatic carditis.
- Valvular Aschoff bodies may be obscured by tissue structure and host factors.
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