What are Aschoff bodies primarily composed of?

Aschoff bodies are primarily associated with rheumatic fever and are key histological features observed in the context of myocarditis. They are composed mainly of fibrinoid necrosis and lymphocytes.

Fibrinoid necrosis is a type of tissue injury that occurs when there is a deposition of immune complexes and fibrin-like proteinaceous material in the tissue, which gives these bodies their characteristic appearance. Lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response, infiltrate the area around the necrotic tissue, contributing to the inflammatory process.

This unique composition of fibrinoid necrosis and lymphocytes is fundamental to the pathophysiology of rheumatic heart disease, helping to illustrate the underlying immune-mediated damage following streptococcal infections. Understanding the structure of Aschoff bodies is essential for recognizing their significance in diagnosing and managing conditions related to rheumatic fever.