Aschoff bodies in the myocardium are the hallmark of carditis associated with
Infective endocarditis
Rheumatic fever
Rheumatoid ahritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Acute rheumatic fever is characterized by discrete inflammatory foci within a variety of tissues. The myocardial inflammatory lesions--called Aschoff bodies--are pathognomonic for rheumatic fever these are collections of lymphocytes (primarily T cells), scattered plasma cells, and plump activated macrophages called Anitschkow cells occasionally punctuating zones of fibrinoid necrosis. The Anitschkow cells have abundant cytoplasm and central nuclei with chromatin condensed to form a slender, wavy ribbon (so-called caterpillar cells). During acute rheumatic fever, Aschoff bodies can be found in any of the three layers of the hea--pericardium, myocardium, or endocardium (including valves). Hence, rheumatic fever is said to cause pancarditis. (Robbins Basic pathology,9th edition.pg no.391)
Cardiovascular system