PMC4238348_01
Histopathological findings - Aschoff nodules (arrows) in samples of myocardium from the papillary muscles of the excised mitral valve (A). The arrows in sample (B) indicate Anitschkow cells. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lea M. M. F. Demarchi from the Laboratory of Pathology, Heart Institute (InCor), University of Sao Paulo Medical School.
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F1
The histopathological report of the surgical specimens revealed the presence of Aschoff bodies in the proliferative phase, which is suggestive of acute RF (Figure 1). In addition, an examination of the valves showed characteristics of chronic rheumatic heart disease involvement and the presence of Anitschkow cells (Figure 1), valvular fibrosis, calcification, and neovascularization.