Enlarge Descriptive Card Log Book Entry (none)
Rodin Number:09
E Number: none
Donor: Osler
Date: unknown
Size (H x W cm): 11 x 10
The specimen consists of the base of the heart with attached aortic root and valve. The latter is unopened, making it difficult to appreciate the underlying pathology. However, at least one leaflet (short arrow (A)) seems to be fibrotic and partially destroyed by endocarditis with adherent vegetations. Additional vegetations are seen below the other leaflets extending onto the myocardial surface (long arrow). A back view (B) shows an erosion of a tricuspid valve leaflet with underlying thrombus/necrotic tissue (arrow), representing extension of the infective process from the aortic valve through the myocardium.
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Comment
The descriptive card indicates that the "inflammatory products" (presumably referring to the vegetations on the aortic valve) are calcified. This observation and the appearance of the valve suggest degenerative (calcific) aortic stenosis as the underlying abnormality.