How is valvular heart disease identified histologically?
Valvular heart disease can involve any of the heart's four valves. Common conditions include rheumatic heart disease, infective endocarditis, and degenerative valve disease. Rheumatic heart disease is characterized by Aschoff bodies, which are granulomatous lesions. Infective endocarditis presents with vegetations composed of fibrin, inflammatory cells, and microorganisms. Degenerative changes, such as calcific aortic stenosis, show nodular calcification on the valve cusps.
