What is the earliest histological change visible by light microscopy in a myocardial infarct (occurring between 4-12 hours)?
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Correct answer: Wavy fibers at the infarct margins
Between 4 and 12 hours, the earliest changes include edema, hemorrhage, and 'wavy fibers.' Wavy fibers represent non-contractile dead myocytes being stretched and buckled by the contraction of adjacent viable muscle.
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