INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

Aschoff bodies are inflammatory nodules found in the heart muscle in which condition?

1. Atherosclerosis

2. Rheumatic Fever

3. Myocardial Infarction

4. Cardiomyopathy

The correct answer is: Rheumatic Fever

Aschoff bodies are characteristic inflammatory nodules found in the heart muscles of individuals with rheumatic fever. These are composed of histiocytes, multinucleated giant cells, and lymphocytes, and are a unique feature of rheumatic heart disease. Rheumatic fever is a systemic inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated streptococcal pharyngitis. This condition primarily affects the heart, joints, skin, and central nervous system. Atherosclerosis is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to narrowing and hardening of the blood vessels. It is not associated with the presence of Aschoff bodies. Myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, occurs due to a blockage in the coronary arteries leading to inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle. It does not involve the formation of Aschoff bodies. Cardiomyopathy refers to diseases of the heart muscle that can lead to structural and functional abnormalities of the heart. While inflammation can be a feature in some types of cardiomyopathy, the presence of Aschoff bodies specifically points to rheumatic fever as the correct answer in this context.