Aschoff body definitions
| Word backwards | ffohcsA ydob |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Aschoff body is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | Ash-coff bo-dy |
| Plural | The plural of the word Aschoff body is Aschoff bodies. |
| Total letters | 11 |
| Vogais (2) | a,o |
| Consonants (8) | a,s,c,h,f,b,d,y |
What is an Aschoff body?
An Aschoff body is a histological feature seen in cases of rheumatic fever. It is a nodular lesion found in the heart tissue, particularly in the heart's myocardium. Aschoff bodies are composed of a central area of fibrinoid necrosis surrounded by activated macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. They are named after the German pathologist Carl Aschoff, who first described them in the early 20th century.
Characteristics of Aschoff bodies
Aschoff bodies are typically found in the heart's left atrium and are commonly associated with rheumatic fever, a systemic inflammatory disease that can result from untreated streptococcal infections. These lesions are important diagnostic features for rheumatic heart disease and are often used to distinguish it from other heart conditions.
Significance in rheumatic fever
Aschoff bodies play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of rheumatic fever. They are believed to result from an autoimmune response triggered by molecular mimicry, where the immune system mistakenly targets the heart tissues due to similarities between streptococcal antigens and self-antigens. This inflammatory response can lead to damage in the heart valves and other cardiac structures, ultimately resulting in rheumatic heart disease.
Diagnosis and treatment
Diagnosing rheumatic fever involves a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The presence of Aschoff bodies in heart tissue, along with other diagnostic criteria, can help confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for rheumatic heart disease focuses on managing symptoms, preventing further complications, and addressing the underlying autoimmune process. This may involve medications to reduce inflammation and prevent recurrence of streptococcal infections.
Aschoff body Examples
- The pathologist identified an Aschoff body in the heart tissue sample.
- The presence of Aschoff bodies is a key characteristic of rheumatic fever.
- Researchers are studying the formation of Aschoff bodies in autoimmune diseases.
- The doctor explained to the patient the significance of Aschoff bodies in diagnosing certain conditions.
- Aschoff bodies are known to develop in the myocardium during the course of rheumatic carditis.
- The student made a detailed illustration of an Aschoff body for their anatomy class presentation.
- The pathogenesis of Aschoff bodies involves an inflammatory response in the heart tissue.
- The presence of Aschoff bodies can aid in distinguishing between different types of cardiac lesions.
- The cardiologist explained the formation of Aschoff bodies as a result of immune-mediated damage.
- Histopathological examination revealed the presence of Aschoff bodies in the cardiac tissue sample.