Bracht-Wachter bodies
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Bracht-Wachter bodies are histological structures found in the myocardium of the heart, particularly in cases of rheumatic fever. These bodies are indicative of Aschoff bodies, which are a hallmark of rheumatic heart disease. Bracht-Wachter bodies are named after the German pathologist Ernst Bracht and the Swiss physician Hermann Wachter, who contributed to the understanding of these structures.
Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]
Bracht-Wachter bodies are formed as a result of the inflammatory process associated with rheumatic fever, which is a complication of streptococcal pharyngitis. The body's immune response to the Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria can lead to an autoimmune reaction, where the immune system attacks the heart tissue. This results in the formation of granulomatous lesions known as Aschoff bodies, within which Bracht-Wachter bodies can be found.
Histological Features[edit | edit source]
Under the microscope, Bracht-Wachter bodies appear as small, round, eosinophilic structures within the Aschoff bodies. They are composed of degenerated collagen and fibrin, surrounded by a collection of inflammatory cells, including lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. The presence of these bodies is indicative of active inflammation and tissue damage in the heart.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
The identification of Bracht-Wachter bodies in a biopsy of the heart tissue can help confirm a diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease. This is particularly important in patients with a history of rheumatic fever who present with symptoms of carditis, such as pericarditis, myocarditis, or endocarditis.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
The diagnosis of Bracht-Wachter bodies is primarily made through histological examination of heart tissue obtained via biopsy. The presence of these bodies, along with other clinical findings, supports the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
The treatment of conditions associated with Bracht-Wachter bodies involves managing the underlying rheumatic fever and its complications. This may include the use of antibiotics to eradicate the streptococcal infection, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation, and cardiac medications to manage heart symptoms.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for patients with Bracht-Wachter bodies depends on the extent of heart damage and the effectiveness of treatment for rheumatic fever. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and prevent long-term complications such as valvular heart disease.
Also see[edit | edit source]
Cardiovascular disease A-Z
Most common cardiac diseases
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Cardiogenetic disorders
- Cardiomegaly
- Cardiomyopathy
- Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- Chronic rheumatic heart diseases
- Congenital heart defects
- Heart neoplasia
- Ischemic heart diseases
- Pericardial disorders
- Syndromes affecting the heart
- Valvular heart disease
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A[edit source]
- Accelerated idioventricular rhythm
- Acute decompensated heart failure
- Arteriosclerotic heart disease
- Athletic heart syndrome
- Atrial flutter
- Atrioventricular fistula
- Cardiovascular disease in Australia
- Autoimmune heart disease
B[edit source]
C[edit source]
- Ebb Cade
- Cardiac allograft vasculopathy
- Cardiac amyloidosis
- Cardiac asthma
- Cardiac tamponade
- Cardiogenic shock
- Cardiogeriatrics
- Cardiorenal syndrome
- Cardiotoxicity
- Carditis
- Coronary artery aneurysm
- Coronary artery anomaly
- Coronary artery disease
- Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
- Coronary artery ectasia
- Coronary occlusion
- Coronary steal
- Coronary thrombosis
- Coronary vasospasm
- Cœur en sabot
- Coxsackievirus-induced cardiomyopathy
D[edit source]
E[edit source]
H[edit source]
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
- Heart to Heart (1949 film)
- High-output heart failure
- Hyperdynamic precordium
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
I[edit source]
- Idiopathic giant-cell myocarditis
- Interventricular dyssynchrony
- Intraventricular dyssynchrony
- Isolated atrial amyloidosis
K[edit source]
L[edit source]
M[edit source]
- Mydicar
- Myocardial bridge
- Myocardial disarray
- Myocardial rupture
- Myocardial scarring
- Myocardial stunning
- Myocarditis
N[edit source]
O[edit source]
P[edit source]
- Papillary fibroelastoma
- Pathophysiology of heart failure
- Postpericardiotomy syndrome
- Pulmonary vein stenosis
R[edit source]
S[edit source]
- Saturated fat and cardiovascular disease
- SCAR-Fc
- Shone's syndrome
- Strain pattern
- Subacute bacterial endocarditis
- Sudden cardiac death of athletes
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