Calcified Amorphous Tumor Causing Shower Embolism to the Brain: A Case Report with Serial Echocardiographic and Neuroradiologic Images and a Review of the Literature

Thrombus on Mitral Annular Calcification: A Systematic Review of Management and Outcomes

Background

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common chronic degenerative process of the mitral valve. Thrombus formation on MAC is a rare complication that likely contributes to the increased risk of thromboembolic events. Outcomes and management strategies for this condition are unknown. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to describe the management and outcomes of patients who have thrombus on MAC.

Methods

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched. Patients with a prior mitral valve intervention or prosthesis were excluded. The primary outcomes were treatment, mortality, and thromboembolic events.

Results

Fifteen studies, with a total of 22 cases (patients aged 69.1 ± 14.8 years; n = 18 [82%] female) were included. Most patients presented with stroke or a transient ischemic event (n = 15; 68%) or myocardial infarction (n = 4; 18%). All patients were diagnosed with either transthoracic (n = 18; 82%) or transesophageal (n = 4; 18%) echocardiography. Seventeen patients (77%) were treated with anticoagulation therapy alone, and 5 (23%) required surgery. The most common surgical indication was prevention of recurrent embolization (n = 3; 14%). No mortality was reported. Six patients (27%) had thromboembolic events after diagnosis. For those treated with anticoagulation therapy alone, 5 (23%) had persistent thrombus with or without embolization.

Conclusions

In this systematic review, patients with MAC who present with a thromboembolic event require careful echocardiographic assessment of the MAC, to exclude the presence of thrombus. Although most patients can be managed with anticoagulation therapy alone, a significant number will require surgery. Persistent thrombus, despite anticoagulation therapy, and recurrent embolization are common. Larger studies are needed to elucidate what constitutes the optimal long-term care for these patients.

Three Cases of Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus Resulting in Spontaneous Fistulation

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CCMA is a rare disease.

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CCMA is diagnosed incidentally on echocardiography.

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CCMA can result in fistula formation, valve disease, and systemic embolization.

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CCMA should be observed regularly.

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CCMA should be operated on before complications arise.

Cerebral Embolism Associated with Calcified Amorphous Tumor: A Review of Cerebral Infarction Cases

Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is a non-neoplastic tumor composed of calcified nodules consisting of amorphous fibrous material, and it may eventually cause cerebral infarction (CI). We experienced a 67-year-old woman with CAT who had recurrent CI. After excision of the CAT, the CI did not show recurrence. A review of previous papers on CI due to CAT in Pubmed revealed that 7 of 13 studies originated in Japan and that CI can occur even with small CAT. Surgical treatment is recommended to prevent CI recurrence, especially when CAT is accompanied by mitral annular calcification or has marked mobility.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: Metastatic Calcinosis of Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Secondary to Renal Failure Resulting in Symptomatic Aortic Regurgitation

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Cardiac complications are the most common cause of death in dialysis patients.

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Cardiac complications include coronary disease, arrhythmias, and valvular disease.

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Valvular calcification can lead to valve dysfunction, conduction issues, and embolism.

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With an increasingly dialysis-dependent and aged population, clinical prevalence is high.

Calcified amorphous tumor presenting with rapid growth in the ascending aorta

A calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is a rare, non-neoplastic cardiac mass frequently located in cardiac chambers, especially the mitral valve or annulus. Here, we report an exceedingly rare case of CAT as an atypical mobile mass in the ascending aorta in a 62-year-old man who was on hemodialysis for 11 years. The CAT grew rapidly within 3 months. We resected the mass, and he was discharged with no complications. This report shows that the CAT can grow rapidly, even in the aorta, and provides important information on the progression of this rare disease and its clinical features.

The First Report of Calcified Amorphous Tumor Associated with Infective Endocarditis: A Case Report and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) of the heart is a rare non-neoplastic intracardiac mass, which is composed of calcium deposition surrounded by amorphous fibrous tissue. The clinical presentation of cardiac CAT resembles that of other cardiac tumors or vegetation, though there is no previous report of a CAT complicated with infective endocarditis. CASE REPORT A 67-year-old male with a history of end stage renal failure and gastric cancer who was on adjuvant chemotherapy presented with a cardiac mass. The mass was resected and diagnosed as CAT pathologically. Two separate sets of blood cultures were positive for Enterococcus faecalis, thus, the patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis. Antibiotic treatment was continued for 6 weeks after surgery, and the patient recovered uneventfully. However, he died from a complication of his gastric cancer 5 months later. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of CAT associated with infective endocarditis. Blood cultures should be obtained to differentiate infective endocarditis or CAT with infectious endocarditis from CAT alone, because CAT with infective endocarditis may present atypically and may be more likely to require antibiotic treatment along with surgery.

A Rare Beast: Cardiac Calcified Amorphous Tumor

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CAT is a non-neoplastic intracardiac mass of uncertain etiology.

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Cardiac CAT has been found in various locations in the heart.

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Most cases are treated surgically, but conservative management may be preferred.

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Echocardiography plays a central role in the diagnosis and follow-up of cardiac CAT.

Calcified Cerebral Embolism Due to a Calcified Amorphous Tumor

A 59-year-old man developed brain embolism in the frontal and parietal cortex. Brain CT showed a high-density spot in the upper branch of the left middle cerebral artery, indicating calcified cerebral embolism. Calcified amorphous tumor attached to the mitral valve was identified as the cause of embolism. After surgical resection, anticoagulation was started and recurrent stroke did not occur.