23. Cardiochirurgia Cardite reumatica acuta Note the minute, firmly adherent vegetations on the aortic valve cusps, along the line of closure. These vegetations, sometimes called "verrucae" are composed of fibrin, and probably represent friction damage of the inflamed endocardium. These lesions rarely cause functional problems, and usually resolve after the acute episode of rheumatic fever.
25. Cardiochirurgia Valvulite reumatica cronica The long-term sequelae of valvular inflammation due to rheumatic fever is the development of diffuse fibrosis of the valve leaflets. The leaflets are thickened, sometimes calcified, and the commisures may be fused. This results in stenosis of the valve. This view of the atrioventricular valves shows marked stenosis and calcification of the mitral valve, and less severe involvement of the tricuspid valve. The mitral and aortic valves are affected more often than the tricuspid valve. The pulmonary valve is only rarely affected.
