Frequency and significance of occurrence of Aschoff bodies in left atrial appendages in chronic rheumatic heart disease
Jin, G.; Huang, Y.W.
Chinese Medical Journal 100(10): 846-849
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 3127141 Document Number: 301625
This article mainly deals with the frequency of occurrence of Aschoff bodies in the left atrial appendages seen in the excised specimens at various valvular operations in 126 cases, among which biopsy was done in 121 cases and autopsy in 5 cases. Aschoff bodies were observed in 37 of 126 patients (29.4%). It is found that the frequency of occurrence of Aschoff bodies is higher (u=2.69, p < 0.01) in the group with a history of acute rheumatic fever than in other groups. Aschoff bodies were found in patients with sinus rhythm in 27 of 111 cases (24.3%), and in those with atrial fibrillation in 10 of 15 cases (66.6%), showing a significant difference between the two groups (u=3.29, p < 0.01). The clinical significance of occurrence of Aschoff bodies in the left atrial appendages is discussed.