Aschoff bodies in Rheumatic hea disease show all of the following features, except –
**Core Concept**
Aschoff bodies are characteristic pathological lesions found in the hearts of individuals with rheumatic heart disease. They are granulomatous in nature and composed of various cell types that contribute to the inflammatory response in the affected heart tissue.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Aschoff bodies typically contain Anitschkow cells, which are macrophages that have ingested nuclear debris. These cells are a hallmark of rheumatic inflammation and play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Aschoff bodies. Giant cells may also be present, often in the form of Langhans giant cells, which are a type of multinucleated giant cell. Fibrinoid necrosis is another feature of Aschoff bodies, characterized by the deposition of fibrin-like material in the affected tissue. In contrast, epithelioid cells are not typically found in Aschoff bodies, as they are more commonly associated with granulomatous diseases such as tuberculosis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Anitschkow cells are indeed a characteristic feature of Aschoff bodies and are a key component of the granulomatous inflammation seen in rheumatic heart disease.
**Option C:** Giant cells, specifically Langhans giant cells, may be present in Aschoff bodies, contributing to the granulomatous inflammation.
**Option D:** Fibrinoid necrosis is a feature of Aschoff bodies, characterized by the deposition of fibrin-like material in the affected tissue.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In addition to Aschoff bodies, rheumatic heart disease is also characterized by the presence of rheumatic nodules, which are granulomatous lesions that form in the skin and other tissues. These nodules are often found in the same locations as Aschoff bodies and can be used as a diagnostic clue in suspected cases of rheumatic heart disease.
β Correct Answer: B. Epitheloid cells