Editorial

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Abstract
The authors summarize certain of the available information on the lymphatics of the mammalian heart. Chronic impairment of cardiac lymph flow in the dog leads to ventricular endocardial fibro-elastosis. Lymphatics are present in the mitral valve of the dog, and dogs with chronic impairment of cardiac lymph flow are susceptible to bacterial endocarditis. The basic tenant is presented that chronic impairment of cardiac lymph flow results in predisposition to infection and inflammation in the heart. The lymphatics in man may well be important in the perpetuation of chronic myocarditis, and in predisposing individuals with rheumatic inflammation of the heart to subsequent repeat inflammation and infection. The possible role of lymph drainage in the metabolism of the heart is considered. A plea is made for more careful observations in human material.