Vegetation (pathology)

Vegetation (pathology) is a term used in medicine to describe abnormal growths within the body, particularly in relation to heart valve disease and infective endocarditis. These growths are typically composed of platelets, fibrin, microorganisms, and inflammatory cells.

Overview

Vegetations can occur in various parts of the body, but are most commonly found on the heart valves. They are often associated with infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the inner lining of the heart. The vegetations can cause significant damage to the heart valves, leading to heart failure and other complications.

Causes

Vegetations are typically caused by an infection, most commonly bacterial, but can also be caused by other microorganisms such as fungi. The microorganisms attach to the heart valves and stimulate the formation of a vegetation. This process is facilitated by any damage to the heart valves, such as from rheumatic heart disease or congenital heart defects.

Symptoms

The symptoms of vegetations can vary depending on the location and size of the growths. Common symptoms include fever, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, and heart murmurs. In severe cases, vegetations can lead to heart failure, stroke, or other serious complications.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of vegetations typically involves a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies. Echocardiography is the most commonly used imaging technique for detecting vegetations.

Treatment

Treatment of vegetations typically involves antibiotics to treat the underlying infection. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove the vegetation and repair or replace the damaged heart valve.

See also

• Infective endocarditis
• Heart valve disease
• Rheumatic heart disease

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