Evolution of Coxsackie viral valvular and mural endocarditis in mice.

The acute and chronic effects of infection with Coxsackie virus B4 are described for the mural endocardium and valves of 170 mice for selected periods from 1-210 days after a single i.p. inoculation of Coxsackie B4 virus. Significant microscopic changes were seen in the valves in 50 per cent of the infected animals and in the mural endocardium in 48 per cent of the animals. The time sequence and histology of the changes are described, beginning with the earliest changes noted on the 2nd day after inoculation. Fibrosis or scarring of the valves and mural endocardium are demonstrated in those animals allowed to survive after the 3-5th weeks of infection. Coxsackie B4 was recovered from the hearts up to 8 days after inoculation and Coxsackie virus specific antigen was demonstrated up to 7 weeks after inoculation. The findings are discussed with reference to chronic “rheumatic” valvular disease in man.