Clinical manifestations of mitral annulus calcification, with emphasis on its echocardiographic features

Mitral annular calcification in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

BACKGROUND

Changes in mitral valve anatomy contribute to left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common among patients with HCM but its implications are currently unknown.

METHODS

We tested the hypothesis that echocardiographic MAC would be associated with anterior displacement of the mitral valve and LVOTO in a cohort of 304 patients with HCM aged ≥ 60 years (mean [SD] age 71.6 [7.7] years, 52% women).

RESULTS

MAC was present in 141 (46%) patients. The mean (SD) MAC offset distance was 9.8 (4.8) mm. A higher proportion of those with MAC compared to those without MAC had SAM (84.2 vs. 63.8%, p < 0.001) and LVOTO (80.9 vs. 57.9%, p < 0.001). In patients with MAC, the septal-mitral valve distance was shorter compared to those without (19.4 [4.0] vs 21.5 [4.9] mm, p < 0.001). The mitral valve position ratio was greater in those with MAC compared to those without (1.00 [0.79, 1.22] vs. 0.86 [0.67, 1.05], p < 0.001) denoting greater anterior displacement, especially in those with MAC and LVOTO. After multivariable adjustment, MAC offset distance was associated with LVOTO (OR 1.16 [95% CI 1.07, 1.28] per mm, p = 0.001). Over a median follow-up of 2.7 years, 42 (29.8%) patients with MAC underwent surgery to relieve LVOTO, with no deaths.

CONCLUSION

This study adds MAC to the known geometrical alterations of the mitral valve that predispose to LVOTO and suggests that surgical relief of LVOTO in the presence of MAC is safe when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Mitral annular calcification: challenges and future perspectives

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic degenerative process that implies calcification on the mitral support structure. It usually appears as a bystander to other cardiac pathologies hindering surgical treatment and increasing morbidity and mortality. When addressing the mitral valve, many surgical strategies have been suggested in the past with no clear consensus on what to choose. Moreover, and as transcatheter therapies have gained popularity over the last few decades, transcatheter mitral valve implantation has appeared as another alternative to conventional surgery. In this review, we aim at describing an overview of MAC, highlighting current challenges and treatment options as well as new potential alternatives.

[Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus, variable and revealing clinical picture, and the contribution of cardiac tomodensitometry to the diagnosis: report of two cases]

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare variant of mitral annular calcification and a common echocardiographic finding. CCMA discovery is mostly incidental, considered as benign tumor and may be unrelated to patient symptoms. Multimodality imaging may have an additional value for the diagnosis of CCMA. We report the cases of two CCMA revealed by acute pulmonary oedema and stroke, respectively. The aims of this presentation are: to illustrate the variety of cardiac symptoms that led to the diagnosis of CCMA; and to highlight the usefulness of thoracic multisliced computed tomography for the diagnosis of CCMA.

[Mitral valve surgery in patients with extensively calcified mitral annulus: long-term echocardiographic and clinical follow-up]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was the analysis of long-term results in patients with hemodynamically significant mitral valve disease due to extensively calcified mitral annulus who underwent decalcification and patch reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1996 and 2008 a total of 109 patients underwent surgery for extensive calcification and severe mitral insufficiency and mitral stenosis. The mean age of the patients (65 women and 44 men) was 66.4 ± 13.8 years. In 53 patients (49%) mitral valve repair was performed and the remaining 56 patients (51%) received a mitral valve replacement. Of the patients 64 (59%) required concomitant surgery. The mean follow up time was 96 ± 48 months.

RESULTS

The in-hospital and late mortality was 8.3% (9 patients) and 25.6% (28 patients), respectively. The actuarial survival rates at 5, 8 and 12 years were 88.1%, 76.2% and 66.1%, respectively. Echocardiographic follow-up presented a mitral insufficiency grade III in 4 patients (6%). None of the patients had a mitral insufficiency grade IV. A significant reduction of left atrium diameter, of the LVEDD as well as the mean transvalvular gradient was observed. Freedom from reoperation at 5 and 8 years was 96.4% and 91.8%, respectively. Systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, age older than 65 years, concomitant aortic valve replacement, concomitant procedures, chronic renal insufficiency and cardiac decompensation in the medical history were found to be predictors for significantly increased early or late mortality.

CONCLUSION

The long-term results strongly suggest that en bloc decalcification and patch reconstruction of the mitral annulus can be safely undertaken in high risk patients.

[Long-term echocardiographic and clinical follow-up after mitral valve surgery in patients with extensive calcified mitral annulus]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is the analysis of long-term results in patients with hemodynamically significant mitral valve disease due to extensive calcified mitral annulus who underwent decalcification and patch reconstruction.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1996 and 2008 a total of 109 patients underwent surgery in the presence of extensive calcification, severe mitral insufficiency and mitral stenosis. The mean age of patients (65 women, 44 men) was 66.4±13.8 years. Mitral valve repair was performed in 53 patients (49%), while the remaining 56 patients (51%) received a mitral valve replacement. In all, 64 patients (59%) required concomitant surgery. The mean follow-up time was 96±48 months.

RESULTS

Inpatient and late mortality rates were 8.3% (nine patients) and 25.6% (28 patients), respectively. The actuarial survival rates at 5, 8 and 12 years were 88.1%, 76.2% and 66.1%. Echocardiographic follow-up demonstrated mitral insufficiency III in four patients (6%). No patients had mitral insufficiency IV. We observed a significant reduction in left atrium diameter, LVEDD as well as mean transvalvular gradient. Freedom from reoperation at 5 and 8 years was 96.4% and 91.8%, respectively. We found systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, age above 65 years, concomitant aortic valve replacement, concomitant procedures, chronic renal insufficiency and cardiac decompensation in the medical history as predictors for significantly increased early or late mortality.

CONCLUSION

The long-term results strongly suggest that en bloc decalcification and patch reconstruction of the mitral annulus can be safely undertaken in high-risk patients.

[Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus, a rare echocardiographic finding]

Caseous calcification of mitral annulus, also known as caseoma, is a rare echocardiographic finding. Because it often presents asymptomatically, the diagnosis is usually incidental. The condition arises due to caseous degeneration in the internal material of the mitral annulus calcification. On echocardiography, the calcification is a round mass with a central echolucent area, typically located at the base of the posterior leaflet, and can be mistaken for cardiac tumors or abscesses. We describe 3 patients with the condition, one of whom required surgical removal of the mass to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

The impact of mitral annular calcification on left ventricular function in nonagenarians

Background and Objectives

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is known to be associated with degenerative processes of the cardiac fibrous skeleton and cardiovascular disease mortality. However, MAC has not been evaluated in an extreme age group (patients ≥90 years of age). In this study, the clinical significance of MAC associated with aging was examined in this age group and compared with MAC associated with aging in a younger (20 to 50 years of age) group of patients.

Subjects and Methods

We assessed echocardiographic parameters in 43 nonagenarians and 51 young patients. In the nonagenarian group, patient's age was 92±2 years and 27% were male; in the young control group, patient's age was 36±9 years and 51% were male. Comprehensive M-mode and Doppler echocardiography, including tissue Doppler imaging, were performed. The frequency and severity of MAC was assessed from the leading anterior to the trailing posterior edge at its largest width for least 3 cardiac cycles.

Results

Echocardiography showed that the left ventricular (LV) end-diastolic dimension was larger in the young controls (p=0.007); however, the ejection fraction (EF) was lower in the nonagenarian group (p=0.001). The frequency of MAC was greater in nonagenarians {42/43 (97%)} than in controls {9/51 (17%), p<0.0001}. The maximal width of MAC was larger in nonagenarians (0.52±0.17 mm and 0.05±0.13 mm, p<0.0001). MAC was correlated with LV mass index (g/m²) (r=0.280, p=0.014) and EF (%) (r=-0.340, p=0.001). More importantly, early mitral inflow velocity/early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/E') was strongly correlated with MAC in non-agenarians (r= 0.683, p<0.0001).

Conclusion

MAC may be associated with extreme age and increased LV filling pressure in nonagenarians. Further study is necessary to assess the cardiovascular mortality and structural changes related to mitral annulus calcification associated with aging.

Mitral annulus calcification, systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet and outflow obstruction in two patients without hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. An echocardiographic report

Systolic anterior motion of the anterior mitral leaflet (SAM) and concomitant left ventricular outflow obstruction (LVOFO) are commonly seen in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, SAM has also been described together with extensive anteroseptal wall infarction, pericardial exudation and in hypovolemic situations. This report presents two patients examined with M-mode echocardiography which demonstrates that SAM with LVOFO can also occur in association with mitral annulus calcification (MAC). A possible mechanism behind this entity would firstly be the anterior displacement of the mitral ring commonly seen in MAC. Secondly, extension of calcifications to the posterior wall will furthermore impair the LV contraction leading to loosely stretched chordae tendineae during systole and hence a motion of the anterior mitral valve along the blood stream (SAM) leading to LVOFO.

Epidemiology of mitral annular calcification and its predictive value for coronary events in African Americans: the Jackson Cohort of the Atherosclerotic Risk in Communities Study

BACKGROUND

Despite the potential link between mitral annular calcification (MAC) and atherosclerosis, there is limited data regarding the prevalence of MAC in African Americans and its relationship with coronary heart disease (CHD)events in this high-risk population.

METHODS

The study population included 2409 African American participants of the Artherosclerotic Risk in Communities study (ARIC) undergoing echo examinations between 1993-1996. The primary outcome was incident CHD events [defined as fatal coronary event, hospitalized myocardial infarction or cardiac procedure]. MAC was considered a binary variable (yes/no). The Cox proportional hazard model was used for the analysis and the model was adjusted for gender, age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, smoking status, renal function (based on serum creatinine), high LDL and low HDL.

RESULTS

Of the 2409 in the study population, 1549 (64%) were women and the mean age was 59.2 +/- 5.8 years (range 49-75). MAC was positively associated with age and renal function. The overall prevalence of MAC was 4.6% for women and 5.6% for men. In participants aged >or= 70, the prevalence of MAC was 10% in women and 15.2% in men. During a median follow-up of 4.8 years, there were 237 total incident CHD events recorded. After adjustment, the hazard ratio for CHD events among the MAC subgroup was 2.32 (95% CI, 1.11-4.87).

CONCLUSIONS

In this relatively young population of middle-aged African Americans, the prevalence of MAC is low; however, the presence of MAC incurs a significant risk for coronary events.

Mitral valve surgery in patients with extensive calcification of the mitral annulus

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this work was to examine the clinical outcomes of mitral valve surgery in patients with extensive mitral annular calcification.

METHODS

Mitral valve surgery was performed in 54 patients (28 men and 26 women, mean age 63 +/- 14 years) with mitral regurgitation and extensive mitral annular calcification. Most patients (78%) were in New York Heart Association classes III and IV, 14 had coronary artery disease, and 9 had prior mitral valve replacement in which the calcium bar was not removed. The calcium bar was excised and a new mitral annulus was created by suturing a strip of pericardium onto the endocardium of the left ventricle from lateral to medial fibrous trigones and to the endocardium of the left atrium. The mitral valve was repaired in 12 patients and replaced in 42. In 23 patients the intervalvular fibrous body was reconstructed and the aortic valve was also replaced. Mean follow-up was 4.1 +/- 3.7 years and was complete.

RESULTS

There were 5 operative deaths and 11 late deaths. Five-year survival was 73 +/- 7%. Four patients needed reoperation and each survived. Freedom from reoperation at 5 years was 89 +/- 6%. Three patients had a stroke and 4 had anticoagulation-related hemorrhage, one of which was fatal. Five-year freedom from valve-related mortality or morbidity was 75 +/- 8%. Most survivors were in New York Heart Association functional classes II and III.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of the calcium bar and creation of a new annulus with pericardium provided good clinical results in patients with extensive calcification of the mitral valve.

Mitral annular calcification predicts cardiovascular morbidity and mortality: the Framingham Heart Study

BACKGROUND

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) has been associated with stroke in longitudinal, community-based cohorts and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in many small retrospective studies. Prospective data are limited on the relation of MAC with CVD morbidity and mortality.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We examined the association between MAC assessed by M-mode echocardiography and the incidence of CVD, CVD death, and all-cause death over 16 years of follow-up in the Framingham Heart Study subjects who attended a routine examination between 1979 and 1981. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) associated with the presence of MAC for each outcome. Of 1197(445 male, 752 female) subjects who had adequate echocardiographic assessment, 14% had MAC. There were 307 incident CVD events and 621 deaths. In multivariable adjusted analyses, MAC was associated with an increased risk of incident CVD (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1, 2.0), CVD death (HR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1, 2.3), and all-cause death (HR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.6). For each 1-mm increase in MAC, the risk of incident CVD, CVD death, and all-cause death increased by approximately 10%.

CONCLUSIONS

The independent association of MAC with incident CVD and CVD death underscores that cardiac calcification is a marker of increased CVD risk.

Echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac sources of emboli: the role of transthoracic echocardiography

Cardioembolism is responsible for a significant number of systemic emboli including approximately 15% of all ischemic strokes. Transthoracic echocardiography has contributed to the understanding of cardioembolism and has been used to detect specific and potential cardiac sources of systemic emboli and risk stratify patients with specific clinical findings for subsequent cardiovascular events. Findings from transthoracic echocardiography indicate that stasis is an important prerequisite for intracardiac thrombosis while reversal of stasis and thrombolysis appear operative in embolism of existing thrombus. Transthoracic echocardiography allows a sensitive and specific noninvasive means to detect left ventricular thrombus, valvular vegetation, and intracardiac tumor, lesions that are directly responsible for cardioembolism. Transthoracic echocardiography can also detect lesions that could potentially contribute to cardioembolism but are not specific causes. Examples of these potential lesions include mitral valve prolapse, patent foramen ovale, and interatrial septal aneurysm. Finally, population-based studies and prospective clinical trials have indicated that the results of transthoracic echocardiography have predictive value for subsequent cardiovascular events and hence provide a means for stratification of patients at risk for cardioembolism. The latter is most notable for the group of patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation where left ventricular dysfunction and increased left atrial size are independent predictors for subsequent stroke.

The management of acute visual failure

This review of acute visual failure covers the clinical manifestations and management of ocular strokes CRA occlusion, BRA occlusion and AION. The diagnostic process for each patient requires meticulous attention to: 1. Blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, palpation of the temporal arteries, and auscultation of the heart, neck, eyes and head. 2. Dilated funduscopic examination. 3. Immediate blood tests: complete blood count, PT, PTT, platelet count, ESR, fibrinogen level, fasting blood sugar, cholesterol, triglyceride and blood lipids. A test for antiphospholipid antibodies (ACLA and LA) is recommended in unexplained cases of CRA occlusion. Non-invasive investigations should utilise a battery of tests: 1. Carotid non-invasive studies; the useful tests give information about the presence of a haemodynamic lesion (Dopper ultrasonography and oculoplethysmography), analyse the bruit to determine the residual lumen diameter (phonoangiography), or image the artery with ultrasound (B-Scan ultrasonography). 2. Two-dimensional echocardiogram Invasive investigations are required in selected patients: 1. A temporal artery biopsy 2. A carotid arteriogram if the patient is a candidate for endarterectomy. The patient can be screened first with a non-invasive MRA of the neck and brain. 3. A timed FFA, particularly in cases of CRA occlusion when occlusion of the ophthalmic artery is suspected, in cases of AION of possible embolic origin or in AION to document the position of the watershed zone of the choroidal circulation and its relation to the optic nerve head. Emergency treatment in CRA occlusion is designed to lower intra-ocular pressure and dislodge the embolus. In impending CRA occlusion heparin is useful. Urgent systemic corticosteroids are needed when CRA occlusion, or AION are due to arteritis. In other situations treatment is directed towards preventing recurrence or involvement of the other eye by reducing or eliminating identified risk factors.

Long-term follow-up of patients with echocardiographically detected mitral anular calcium and comparison with age- and sex-matched control subjects

One hundred seven patients with echocardiographically documented mitral anular calcium (MAC) and 107 age- and sex-matched control subjects without MAC were studied and followed for a mean of 4.4 +/- 2.4 (standard deviation) years. Fourteen (7%) patients were lost to follow-up. Compared with the control group, patients with MAC had higher frequency of precordial murmurs (p less than 0.0001), cardiomegaly (p less than 0.0001), left atrial enlargement (p less than 0.0001), and rhythm and conduction disturbances (p less than 0.0001). During the follow-up, patients with MAC had higher incidence of valve replacement (p less than 0.0025), permanent pacemaker implantation (p less than 0.0025), congestive heart failure (p less than 0.0001), thromboembolic cerebrovascular event (p less than 0.01), sudden death (p less than 0.001) and total cardiac death (p less than 0.0001). However, the frequencies of myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass surgery and angioplasty, endocarditis or noncardiac death were not significantly different between patients with MAC and the control subjects. Thus, patients with MAC have higher frequencies of precordial murmurs, cardiomegaly, left atrial and ventricular enlargement, rhythm and conduction disturbances. They more frequently undergo valve replacement and permanent pacemaker implantation, develop congestive heart failure and die of cardiac causes than age- and sex-matched control subjects.

Calcific valvular aortic stenosis with and without mitral anular calcium

Seventy-six consecutive patients, mean age 66 +/- 9 years (+/- standard deviation), with isolated aortic valve replacement for calcific valvular aortic stenosis (AS) were studied. Mitral anular calcium (MAC) was detected by echocardiography in 45 patients (59%). Patients with MAC were older (p less than 0.01), had greater peak systolic aortic valve gradients (p less than 0.025), lower cardiac indexes (p less than 0.025) and smaller valve areas (p less than 0.05) than patients without MAC. Thirty-three percent of patients (15 of 45) with MAC required permanent pacemaker implantation after aortic valve replacement, compared with only 10% of patients (3 of 31) without MAC (p less than 0.025). During the follow-up of 7 years (mean 3.8 +/- 1.6), 27% of patients (12 of 45) with MAC died from cardiac causes, compared to only 7% (2 of 31) without MAC (p less than 0.025). Thus, patients with AS and MAC are older, have more severe AS, more frequently undergo permanent pacemaker implantation after aortic valve replacement and more frequently die of cardiac causes than patients with AS and no MAC during follow-up.

Techniques for management of the calcified mitral annulus

Mitral annulus calcification is most often associated with myxomatous degeneration of the mitral valve. It is characterized by a horseshoe-shaped area of mitral annulus calcification that extends into the ventricular cavity to varying degrees. Standard suture techniques may be associated with fracture of the calcification and subsequent paravalvular leak. Seventeen patients aged 54 to 85 (mean 68.1) had mitral valve replacement using four techniques: suture through calcified annulus (3); decalcification (6); onlay patch (5); and drill technique (3). There were no hospital deaths, and one 81-year-old patient with associated coronary artery disease and ascending aortic calcification succumbed to a cerebrovascular accident three months postoperatively. The remaining patients are living and active with functional improvement. Follow-up has ranged from seven months to seven years with a mean of 4.0 years. One patient has hemodynamically insignificant mitral regurgitation after use of an onlay patch technique. No one technique could be singled out as clearly advantageous over the others from this series of patients.

Frequency of mitral valve dysfunction from mitral anular calcium as detected by Doppler echocardiography

Doppler echocardiography is useful for detecting and quantifying mitral regurgitation (MR) and mitral stenosis (MS). To determine the prevalence of these abnormalities in patients with mitral anular calcium (MAC), 51 consecutive patients who had an echocardiographic diagnosis of MAC were examined by Doppler ultrasound. Transmitral flow was evaluated to determine the presence of MR or left ventricular inflow obstruction (MS) by continuous and pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography. The severity of these hemodynamic abnormalities was quantitated by previously described techniques. Eleven patients (22%) had mild MR, 17 (33%) had moderate to severe MR and 4 (8%) had significant MS. Clinical findings such as a systolic murmur, evidence of congestive heart failure, and dyspnea on exertion were not helpful in distinguishing patients with no or mild MR from those who had moderate to severe MR. M-mode measured left atrial size was significantly larger (p less than 0.05) in patients with moderate to severe MR. This study suggests that MR is often associated with MAC, that MS is not a rare finding with MAC, and that Doppler echocardiography can quantitate these lesions in the elderly when symptoms are not specific and physical findings are inconclusive or absent.

Mitral anular calcification in chronic renal failure

In order to determine the incidence and pathogenesis of mitral anular calcification (MAC) in chronic renal failure, we analyzed biochemical, hemodynamic and echocardiographic data in 168 patients on long-term hemodialysis. Mitral anular calcification is more common in patients with chronic renal failure than in other patients of similar age. Its pathogenesis appears to be due to abnormal calcium-phosphorus homeostasis in the setting of secondary hyperparathyroidism. Hypertension did not appear to be an important etiologic factor in our patients. Meticulous control of hyperphosphatemia would appear to be the most important therapeutic measure in preventing this complication.

Cerebral embolism in the Michael Reese Stroke Registry

Infarction secondary to cerebral embolism was diagnosed in 127 (23.5%) of 540 patients in the Michael Reese Stroke Registry. Coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, mitral annulus calcification, and cardiomyopathy were the commonest etiologies. Echocardiography documented a potential embolic source in 7 patients without previously known heart disease, and clarified the cardiac pathology in many of the patients with known heart disease. The left anterior circulation was affected in 48%, right anterior in 37%, and posterior circulation in 15% of patients. CT was abnormal in 71% of the patients, and was approximately equally helpful in all locations. Nineteen percent of emboli presented with a deficit that was other than maximal at onset. Concurrent systemic embolism was unusual (2.3%). Prognosis was somewhat worse than in thrombotic stroke. Grouping of patients according to embolic source (intra-arterial, cardiac, and uncertain source) showed no differences in activity at onset, early course, or in subsequent course of the illness.

Conduction disturbances related to the site and severity of mitral anular calcification: a 2-dimensional echocardiographic and electrocardiographic correlative study

To investigate an apparent association of mitral anular calcium (MAC) and electrocardiographic abnormalities, the relation between location of 2-dimensional (2-D) echo-quantified MAC and conduction disturbances was studied in 140 patients with MAC (MAC group) and in 135 age- and sex-matched patients without MAC (control group). The MAC group was subclassified regarding site and severity of calcium in the mitral anulus. The site of MAC was defined as Type I, near the primary conduction system--MAC located in the medial segment and/or extending to the anterior mitral leaflet; and Type II--MAC located at the central and/or lateral segments away from the primary conduction system. The severity of MAC was graded on 2-D echocardiography as mild (localized within 1 segment) and moderate to severe (greater than 1 segment). Seven patients with MAC, and only 1 control subject, had pacemakers in place. Conduction disturbances were present in 44 (31%) of 140 patients with MAC, and in 37 (27%) of 135 control patients (difference not significant). But there were more conduction disturbances in patients with Type I MAC (53%) than in those with Type II MAC (26%) (p less than 0.01). Specifically, complete left bundle branch block and intraventricular conduction delay were more prevalent when MAC was near the conduction system. Conduction disturbances also were more prevalent in patients with Type I MAC than in the control group: intraventricular conduction delay (Type I, 12% versus control, 4%; p less than 0.05) and total conduction disturbances (53 versus 28%; p less than 0.01). These data suggest that moderate to severe degrees of MAC located near the conduction system are associated with conduction disturbances, especially intraventricular conduction delay.

Prevalence of submitral (anular) calcium and its correlates in a general population-based sample (the Framingham Study)

To obtain epidemiologic information on submitral calcium, 2,069 subjects in the original Framingham Study cohort (mean age 70 +/- 7 years) and 3,625 of the offspring of the cohort and their spouses (mean age 44 +/- 10 years) with adequate echocardiograms were evaluated. Submitral calcium was detected in 162 (2.8%) of the 5,694 subjects; greater than 90% of the subjects with such calcium came from the 40% of the study group greater than 59 years of age. Women were more than twice as likely to have such calcium as men. Age in both sexes, systolic blood pressure in men, and obesity in women were significantly and independently associated with submitral calcium. There was a 12-fold excess of atrial fibrillation in subjects with (20 of 162, 12%) compared with those without (53 of 5,532, 1%) submitral calcium.

Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with mitral anular calcification. Comparison with age- and sex-matched control subjects

The clinical and echocardiographic features of 104 patients (53 women and 51 men) with mitral anular calcification (MAC) were compared with those of 121 age- and sex-matched control subjects (62 women and 59 men) without MAC. The incidence of coronary artery disease, rheumatic heart disease, systemic hypertension, and diabetes mellitus was similar in both groups. Patients with MAC had a greater incidence of cardiomegaly (p less than 0.001), cardiac conduction defects (p less than 0.001), and aortic outflow tract murmurs (p less than 0.005) than did control patients. Patients with MAC and without aortic root calcification had a higher incidence (p less than 0.001) of conduction defects than did patients with aortic root calcification without MAC. Control patients with and without aortic root calcification had a similar incidence of conduction defects. A higher incidence of atrioventricular block (p less than 0.025) and bundle branch block or left anterior hemiblock or intraventricular conduction defect (p less than 0.05) was present in anterior MAC than in posterior MAC. In conclusion, patients with MAC have a higher incidence of cardiomegaly, cardiac conduction defects, and aortic outflow tract murmurs than a control group.

Submitral atheromatous lesions in monkey and man

Posterior submitral recess (PSMR) calcification is a common autopsy finding in elderly people, but its pathogenesis is undetermined. In this communication we show that, in part at least, the PSMR changes at autopsy are atheroma-like with lipid around the sclerosis and calcific deposits. These changes in the PSMR showed a statistically significant correlation with the presence of hypertension and with an autopsy finding of severe coronary atherosclerosis. We showed, for the first time, that similar fibrosis and lipid deposition in the PSMR can be produced in high-fat, high-cholesterol fed macaque monkeys (Macaca arctoides) with or without concomitant experimentally produced hypertension. It is concluded that changes in the PSMR in monkeys and man are strongly related to atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Mitral annular calcification: a cause of systolic murmur in the elderly

Mitral annular calcification is predominantly a disease of females, typically above 65 years of age. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with a systolic murmur which is mitral in origin. This murmur is caused by mitral regurgitation due to loss of the sphincter action of the mitral annulus. Diagnosis is made by one- or two-dimensional echocardiography. Calcification in the mitral ring may be seen on chest x-ray films or fluoroscopy. Management includes antibiotic prophylaxis to avoid infective endocarditis and observation for the development of congestive heart failure. Conventional management with digitalis and diuretics is supplemented with use of vasodilators in severe cases.

High prevalence of symptomatic bradyarrhythmias due to atrioventricular node-fascicular and sinus node-atrial disease in patients with mitral anular calcification

Mitral anular calcification (MAC) is associated with high frequency of conduction defects. To delineate this association in patients with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias, 68 consecutive patients requiring pacemakers (group I) and 56 matched controls (group II) were studied. The patients comprised 41 men and 27 women, whose ages ranged from 24 to 92 years (mean 68). The control group consisted of 56 subjects without bradyarrhythmias, whose ages ranged from 30 to 86 years (mean 70); there were 36 men and 20 women. MAC was detected in 59 patients (87%) with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias compared with 8 subjects (14%) in the control group. In group I, 15 patients (22%) had complete atrioventricular block, 23 patients (34%) had atrial fibrillation with slow ventricular response, and 30 patients (44%) had intermittent sinus arrest. The incidence of MAC was similar among these subgroups (93%, 83%, and 87%, respectively). Thus the present study confirms the strong association of MAC with symptomatic bradyarrhythmias.

M mode and cross-sectional echocardiographic recognition of fibrosis and calcification of the mitral valve chordae and left ventricular papillary muscles

The echocardiographic appearance of fibrotic thickening and calcification of mitral valve chordae tendineae and left ventricular papillary muscles in 17 patients is described. Pathologic proof of excessive fibrosis or calcification was obtained in five patients. In a sixth patient, calcium was demonstrated on angiography to extend from the chordae into papillary muscle. The characteristic feature of chordal and papillary muscle fibrosis and calcification is the presence of highly echogenic densities best visualized within the left ventricle at a level below the mitral valve leaflets. The more inferior location of these densities, within the body of the left ventricle, enables them to be easily differentiated from densities indicating fibrosis and calcification of the mitral valve anulus. The pattern of chordal and papillary muscle fibrosis and calcification was frequently associated with mitral anular calcification, aortic valve fibrosis or calcification and left atrial enlargement. One patient had rheumatic mitral valve disease. Many patients had mitral regurgitation and most had a history, physical examination and radiologic findings compatible with congestive heart failure. Although the origin and importance of the chordal and papillary muscle changes reported are not known, their frequent association with mitral regurgitation and with congestive heart failure suggests possible interrelations.

Echographic-quantified severity of mitral anulus calcification: prognostic correlation to related hemodynamic, valvular, rhythm, and conduction abnormalities

Clinical and echocardiographic findings in 123 patients with mitral anulus calcification (MAC) were analyzed. In all patients M-mode echocardiography demonstrated a dense band of echoes posterior to the mitral valve, moving parallel and anterior to the left ventricular endocardium. Thirty-three per cent of patients were classified as having minimal to mild MAC (< 5 mm) and 67% had moderate to severe MAC (greater than or equal to 5 mm). There was a significant correlation between the degree of MAC to left atrial enlargement, congestive heart failure, aortic valve sclerosis, mitral regurgitation, atrial fibrillation, and AV-fascicular conduction defects. ECG evidence of conduction disturbances was significantly associated with MAC greater than or equal to t mm in width. The echocardiographic demonstration of MAC greater than or equal to 5 mm was significantly associated with the clinical implications known to occur with MAC; this echographic finding has important prognostic value in the evaluation of patients with mitral anulus calcification.

Echocardiographic mimicry of pericardial effusion

Echocardiography is a sensitive technique for the detection of pericardial effusion, but the abnormal echocardiographic patterns seen with effusions are not, however, entirely specific for that diagnosis. This study describes four patients in whom anatomic structures, a coronary artery to coronary sinus fistula (one case) and tumors metastatic to pericardium (three cases), produced posterior and, in two cases, anterior spaces compatible with pericardial fluid. Echocardiographic patterns mimicking pericardial effusion have previously been reported in patients with anatomic abnormalities such as mitral anular calcification, pleural effusions, left atrial enlargement, anterior mediastinal or pericardial tumors, foramen of Morgagni hernia and pseudoaneurysm of the left ventricle. It appears that structures of fluid or tissue density, interposed between the heart and the airfilled lung, can produce echocardiographic patterns simulating pericardial effusion.

Unusual echocardiographic appearances attributable to submitral calcification simulating left ventricular "masses"

Using M-mode and cross-sectional echocardiography, we visualized in five patients abnormal large echos attributable to anterior submitral calcification or sclerosis (on or near the ventricular aspect of the anterior mitral leaflet). Such abnormal echos on M-mode echocardiography could have been mistaken for a mass in the left ventricular chamber. Autopsy in two cases confirmed the presence of nonrheumatic anterior submitral calcification. Echocardiographic features of anterior submitral calcification which are helpful in differentiating it from neoplastic or thrombotic ventricular masses include (1) less diastolic mobility and more echo density; (2) continuity with the base of the anterior mitral leaflet and/or the posterior aortic root region, whereas tumors or thrombi are attached to the left ventricular wall; and (3) calcification in the region of posterior "mitral annulus." Cross-sectional long-axis views and M-mode scanning from the left ventricle to the aortic root were particularly helpful in making the differentiation.

Echocardiographic evaluation of mitral stenosis in predicting mitral valve replacement vs commissurotomy. Relation to hemodynamic measurements

Fifty-one patients with mitral stenosis were studied by M-mode echocardiograms to verify the possibility of predicting if they will require mitral valve replacement or commissurotomy. Fifteen of 18 patients with heavy calcification and restricted or poor valvular mobility underwent mitral valve replacement. Twelve of 14 patients with normal valve amplitude underwent mitral commissurotomy regardless of the presence of valvular calcification. A newly derived measurement, the MT/ST, which is the ratio between the maximal thickness of the widest echo from the mitral valve and the maximal thickness of the left ventricular margin of the interventricular septum, was used to assess valvular calcification. Values above 1.7 were present only in valves with restricted or poor mobility and indicated mitral valve replacement in 14 of 15 cases. All of the patients undergoing mitral valve replacement who had MT/ST ratios between 1.5 and 1.7 had restricted or poor valvular mobility. Of the patients with MT/ST ratios less than 1.5, ten of 12 with normal valvular amplitude underwent mitral commissurotomy, and four of five with restricted valvular mobility underwent mitral valve replacement. We conclude that echocardiographic assessment of mitral valvular calcification and amplitude is useful in predicting patients who will require mitral valve replacement vs mitral commissurotomy.

Submitral calcification or sclerosis in elderly patients: M mode and two dimensional echocardiography in "mitral anulus calcification"

Submitral calcification or sclerosis was visualized with M mode echocardiography in 84 elderly patients, 35 of whom were also studied with two dimensional echocardiography. Posterior submitral calcification, commonly referred to as "mitral anulus calcification," was present in 82 patients and was located in the angle between the posterior mitral leaflet and left ventricular posterior wall, rather than in the mitral anulus proper. M mode scans from the left ventricle to the left atrium showed that posterior submitral calcification ended abruptly in 66 cases, and in these it became contiguous with the posterior atrioventricular junction (true mitral anulus) in only 14 instances, in 16 patients the posterior submitral calcification sloped anteriorly to merge with the posterior aortic root. Anterior submitral calcification was visualized in 12 patients, 10 of whom also had posterior submitral calcification. Anterior submitral calcification was usually located immediately anterior to the base of the anterior mitral cusp. In two cases, if appeared to arise in the region between the aortic and mitral rings; in one instance, it was located in the mid left ventricle, in the mitral chordal region. We suggest that the terms anterior and posterior submitral calcification are more appropriate than "mitral anulus calcification" because in most cases such calcific deposits do not appear to be located in or to arise from the true mitral anulus.

Calcification of the mitral annulus: etiology, clinical associations, complications and therapy

This report reviews the clinical features of 80 patients with roentgenographically proved mitral annular calcification. The mean age of the group was 73 years, and there was a 2.5 to 1 female to male ratio. Evaluation for underlying cardiovascular disease revealed six patients with severe calcific valvular aortic stenosis; five patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 11 with mitral prolapse and 33 with significant arterial hypertension (blood pressure greater or equal to 150/96 mm Hg). Eighty-five per cent of the group (68 of 80 patients) had an underlying cardiac disorder associated with either chronically increased left ventricular systolic pressure or abnormal leaflet motion. Other cardiovascular abnormalities occurring as complications secondary to the mitral ring calcification included subacute bacterial endocarditis (three cases), arterial emboli (five episodes) and high grade atrioventricular block (16 cases). Twelve patients had severe mitral regurgitation; successful mitral valve replacement was carried out in four patients (all with myxomatous mitral tissue). Evidence of diffuse conduction system disease, not limited to the area of the cardiac fibrous skeleton, was found frequently (44 patients). Nine patients had sinus node dysfunction and 35 patients had electrocardiographic evidence of distal intraventricular (fascicular) block. Twenty-one patients eventually required pacemakers for management of symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation was present in 23 patients. In this review it was found that calcification of the mitral annulus is frequently associated with or induces serious cardiovascular disease. Since some of these disorders may be modified by appropriate therapy, calcification of the mitral annulus should no longer be ignored as a benign marker of the elderly heart.

The echocardiographic association of mitral valve prolapse and mitral anulus calcification

Mitral anulus calcification (MAC) and mitral valve prolapse (MVP) are frequently diagnosed conditions. We studied two patients with mild or moderate mitral regurgitation who demonstrated both MAC and MVP on angiography and echocardiography. M-mode echocardiography is probably the definitive test for confirming the presence of MVP. Echocardiography is moderately sensitive in the diagnosis of cardiac calcification, such as MAC, but M-mode echocardiography may not detect the MAC in the majority of patients with both MVP and MAC demonstrated by angiography.