What inflammation occurs in the heart as a result of rheumatic fever?

Rheumatic fever can lead to a comprehensive inflammatory response in the heart, which is known as rheumatic heart disease. This condition generally involves inflammation of multiple layers of the heart. The endocardium, myocardium, epicardium, and pericardium can all be affected.

The endocardium, which is the inner lining of the heart chambers, is particularly vulnerable because rheumatic fever typically begins as a complication of streptococcal infection that can lead to damage in this layer. The myocardium, which is the muscular middle layer of the heart wall, may also become inflamed due to the body’s immune response, leading to weakened heart muscle function. The epicardium and pericardium might also become inflamed, contributing to pericarditis and other complications.

This widespread inflammation can result in serious complications such as valvular heart disease, which is a significant concern following rheumatic fever. Therefore, the correct answer encapsulates the extensive inflammatory impact that rheumatic fever can have on all heart structures, expressing the multifaceted nature of the disease.