Aschoff body

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Aschoff body
File:Rheumatic heart disease - 3b - very high mag.jpg
Synonyms	Aschoff nodule
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	Cardiology, Rheumatology
Symptoms	Inflammation of the heart tissue, myocarditis
Complications	Rheumatic heart disease, heart failure
Onset	Typically occurs in acute rheumatic fever
Duration	Can persist if not treated
Types	N/A
Causes	Rheumatic fever
Risks	Previous streptococcal infection
Diagnosis	Histopathology
Differential diagnosis	Infective endocarditis, myocardial infarction
Prevention	Treatment of streptococcal infections
Treatment	Anti-inflammatory medication, antibiotics
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable, depends on severity and treatment
Frequency	Rare in developed countries, more common in developing regions
Deaths	N/A

Aschoff body is a histopathological finding, typically associated with rheumatic fever. It is named after the German pathologist Karl Aschoff, who first described it in 1904.

Definition

An Aschoff body is a granuloma that forms in the connective tissue of the heart in response to rheumatic fever. It is characterized by central necrosis surrounded by macrophages, including distinctive multinucleated macrophages known as Aschoff cells.

Pathogenesis

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of inadequately treated streptococcal pharyngitis or scarlet fever. The body's immune response to the Streptococcus bacteria leads to inflammation and the formation of Aschoff bodies in the heart tissue.

Clinical significance

The presence of Aschoff bodies is a key diagnostic feature of rheumatic fever. They are most commonly found in the heart, particularly in the myocardium, but can also occur in other tissues. The formation of Aschoff bodies can lead to rheumatic heart disease, a serious complication of rheumatic fever that can result in permanent damage to the heart valves.

See also

• Rheumatic fever
• Rheumatic heart disease
• Granuloma
• Macrophage
• Streptococcal pharyngitis
• Scarlet fever