Histopathological Characterization of Mitral Valvular Lesions from Patients with Rheumatic Heart Disease.

Background: The underlying mechanisms by which rheumatic heart disease (RHD) lead to severe valve dysfunction are not completely understood.

Objective: The present study evaluated the histopathological changes in mitral valves (MV) seeking an association between the pattern of predominant valvular dysfunction and histopathological findings.

Methods: In 40 patients who underwent MV replacement due to RHD, and in 20 controls that underwent heart transplant, histological aspects of the excised MV were analyzed.

Rheumatic heart disease in the modern era: recent developments and current challenges.

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) remains a major cause of preventable death and disability in children and young adults. Despite significant advances in medical technology and increased understanding of disease mechanisms, RHD continues to be a serious public health problem throughout the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Echocardiographic screening has played a key role in improving the accuracy of diagnosing RHD and has highlighted the disease burden.