Aschoff bodies

Aschoff bodies are small areas of inflammation found in the heart tissue during rheumatic fever, an inflammatory condition that can develop after a throat infection with certain bacteria. These lesions contain immune cells, such as T cells and macrophages, and are characterized by areas of damaged tissue and immune activity. They are considered a hallmark of rheumatic carditis, helping doctors identify the disease. Essentially, Aschoff bodies are localized immune responses within the heart that indicate inflammation caused by the body fighting the infection's aftermath.