Morphological and functional characteristics of mitral annular calcification and their relationship to stroke

Prognostic Value of Mitral Annular Calcification in Liver Transplant Patients: Implication in Posttransplant Outcomes

BACKGROUND

With the rise of metabolic diseases and aging in liver transplant (LT) candidates, mitral annular calcification (MAC) is more recognizable. Despite cardiovascular risk becoming a leading cause of mortality in LT recipients, the influence of MAC remains unexamined. This study investigates the prevalence, related factors, and impact of MAC on LT outcomes.

METHODS

We explored 4148 consecutive LT patients who underwent routine pretransplant echocardiography from 2008 to 2019. Multivariate logistic analysis and the tree-based Shapley additive explanation scores in machine learning were used to evaluate the significant and important related factors. The primary outcome was 30-d major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and the secondary outcome was a median of 5-y cumulative all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

MAC was found in 123 (3.0%) patients. Significant and important related factors included age, alcoholic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, hyperuricemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The MACE rate was higher in patients with MAC compared with those without MAC at 30 d ( P  < 0.001, adjusted hazard ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.57). Patients with MAC had poorer cumulative overall survival probability compared with those without MAC ( P  = 0.0016; adjusted hazard ratio 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.15). Specifically, women with MAC had a poorer survival probability compared with men without MAC (65.0% versus 80.7%, P  < 0.001) >10 y post-LT.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of MAC before LT was linked to increased 30-d MACE and lower long-term survival rates, especially in women. Identification and management of MAC and potential risk factors are crucial for improving post-LT survival.

Rethinking Mitral Annular Calcification and Its Clinical Significance: From Passive Process to Active Pathology

BACKGROUND

Mitral annulus calcification is a chronic degenerative condition affecting the fibrous base of the mitral valve. Historically viewed as an age-related phenomenon, recent studies suggest it is driven by active mechanisms involving systemic inflammation, hemodynamic stress, abnormal calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and lipid accumulation. Despite often being asymptomatic and incidentally detected, its clinical relevance stems from its strong association with increased cardiovascular disease risk, higher cardiovascular mortality, and elevated overall mortality.

METHODS

This article investigates the complexities and controversies surrounding mitral annular calcification as a potential embolic source, focusing on its diagnosis, its relationship with systemic inflammation, and its links to metabolic and chronic disorders.

RESULTS

The findings highlight that mitral annular calcification is not merely a passive marker of aging but an active indicator of atherosclerotic burden with significant implications for cardiovascular health.

CONCLUSION

Mitral annulus calcification should be recognized as an important factor in cardiovascular risk assessment, offering insight into systemic inflammatory processes and metabolic dysregulation.

2023 Korean Society of Echocardiography position paper for the diagnosis and management of valvular heart disease, part II: mitral and tricuspid valve disease

This manuscript represents the official position of the Korean Society of Echocardiography on valvular heart diseases. This position paper focuses on the diagnosis and management of valvular heart diseases with referring to the guidelines recently published by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology. The committee sought to reflect national data on the topic of valvular heart diseases published to date through a systematic literature search based on validity and relevance. In the part II of this article, we intend to present recommendations for diagnosis and treatment of mitral valve disease and tricuspid valve disease.

Chunky Mitral Annular Calcification: Caseoma or a Tumor?

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is relatively common in clinical practice. Females are more often affected than males. Patients with end-stage renal disease have MAC relatively more commonly than the general population. Patients with MAC often develop conduction system disturbances, including advanced atrioventricular blocks. They are also more likely to develop various arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation. Caseous mitral annulus calcification is a variant of MAC that often looks like a cardiac tumor on an echocardiogram and needs to be differentiated.

Multimodal Cardiac Imaging in the Assessment of Patients Who Have Suffered a Cardioembolic Stroke: A Review

Cardioembolic strokes account for 20-25% of all ischaemic strokes, with their incidence increasing with age. Cardiac imaging plays a crucial role in identifying cardioembolic causes of stroke, with early and accurate identification affecting treatment, preventing recurrence, and reducing stroke incidence. Echocardiography serves as the mainstay of cardiac evaluation. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is the first line in the basic evaluation of structural heart disorders, valvular disease, vegetations, and intraventricular thrombus. It can be used to measure chamber size and systolic/diastolic function. Trans-oesophageal echocardiography (TOE) yields better results in identifying potential cardioembolic sources of stroke and should be strongly considered, especially if TTE does not yield adequate results. Cardiac computed tomography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging provide better soft tissue characterisation, high-grade anatomical information, spatial and temporal visualisation, and image reconstruction in multiple planes, especially with contrast. These techniques are useful in cases of inconclusive echocardiograms and can be used to detect and characterise valvular lesions, thrombi, fibrosis, cardiomyopathies, and aortic plaques. Nuclear imaging is not routinely used, but it can be used to assess left-ventricular perfusion, function, and dimensions and may be useful in cases of infective endocarditis. Its use should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The accuracy of each imaging modality depends on the likely source of cardioembolism, and the choice of imaging approach should be tailored to individual patients.

Risk Factors and Outcomes With Progressive Mitral Annular Calcification

Background Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic degenerative process that may progress. This study aimed to investigate associating factors and clinical implications of MAC progression. Methods and Results Among 560 patients with MAC identified by transthoracic echocardiography between January 2012 and June 2016, 138 patients (mean±SD age 72.7±10.2 years, 73 women) with mild or moderate MAC who received follow-up examination within 18 to 36 months were retrospectively analyzed. Progressive MAC was defined as hemodynamic or structural profiles that had worsened by more than 1 grade. Hemodynamic features were assessed by the transmitral mean diastolic pressure gradient (MDPG), and structural features were assessed by the MAC angle in the parasternal short-axis view. The clinical outcome was defined as a composite of all-cause mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, and occurrence of ischemic stroke. Forty-three patients (31.2%) showed progressive MAC. Patients with progressive MAC had higher systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, MAC angle, and MDPG than those with stable MAC. Patients with progressive MAC had smaller left ventricular (LV) end-systolic dimensions and higher LV ejection fractions compared with those with stable MAC. In multivariate analysis, pulse pressure, LV ejection fraction, MAC angle, and MDPG at baseline were significantly associated with MAC progression. During a median of 39.2 months' follow-up, patients with progressive MAC showed poorer clinical outcomes than those with stable MAC (log-rank P=0.015). Conclusions MAC progression is not rare and is associated with structural substrate and hemodynamic loads that result in mechanical stress. Patients with progressive MAC have poor outcomes.

Surgery for mitral annular caseous calcification-related calcified amorphous tumor: a case report

BACKGROUND

A calcified amorphous tumor (a non-neoplastic tumor) with caseous calcification of the mitral annulus is a rare pathology that causes severe embolic events. We present a rare case of mitral valve surgery for a mitral annular caseous calcification-related calcified amorphous tumor found in cerebral infarction.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with a mitral valve calcified amorphous tumor with mitral annular caseous calcification found in cerebral infarction. He was admitted because of acute multiple embolic cerebral infarctions. A search for the embolic source through transesophageal echocardiography revealed a mitral valve tumor raised from the posterior mitral valve leaflet on the side of the left ventricle. Computed tomographic cardiac angiography revealed a calcified mitral valve tumor invading the posterior mitral valve annulus and left ventricular muscle. Intraoperative findings revealed a mitral annular calcification-related calcified amorphous tumor with caseous calcification of the posterior leaflet and annulus, which was suspected. Therefore, we performed radical debridement of the mitral annular calcification and bioprosthetic mitral valve replacement with patch repair of the posterior mitral valve annulus 2 weeks after the onset of cerebral infarction. The patient recovered well post operation, without any embolic events.

CONCLUSIONS

A calcified amorphous tumor with caseous mitral annulus calcification may be highly associated with embolic events. In this case, mitral valve replacement with annular patch repair may be a favorable procedure for preventing embolic events.

Stroke and Noninfective Native Valvular Disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Embolic stroke of undetermined source is a challenging clinical entity. While less common than atrial fibrillation and endocarditis, many noninfective heart valve lesions have been associated with stroke and may be considered as culprits for cerebral infarcts when other more common causes are excluded. This review discusses the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of noninfective valvular diseases that are commonly associated with stroke.

RECENT FINDINGS

Calcific debris from degenerating aortic and mitral valves may embolize to the cerebral vasculature causing small- or large-vessel ischemia. Thrombus which may be adherent to calcified valvular structures or left-sided cardiac tumors may also embolize resulting in stroke. Tumors themselves, most commonly myxomas and papillary fibroelastomas, may fragment and travel to the cerebral vasculature. Despite this broad differential, many types of valve diseases are highly comorbid with atrial fibrillation and vascular atheromatous disease. Thus, a high index of suspicion for more common causes of stroke is needed, especially given that treatment for valvular lesions typically involves cardiac surgery whereas secondary prevention of stroke due to occult atrial fibrillation is readily accomplished with anticoagulation.

Novel 3D Echocardiographic Technique for Mitral Calcium Mapping

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common chronic degenerative process of the mitral valve fibrous support ring. MAC increases the risk of mitral valve dysfunction, all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and worse outcomes in cardiac interventions. Echocardiography represents the first imaging modality for MAC assessment, but it has low specificity compared to cardiac CT in terms of distinguishing between calcium and dense collagen. Novel three-dimensional transesophageal maximal intensity projection (MIP) mapping allows for the real-time MAC distribution and depth visualization of the cardiac anatomy and represents a useful and promising tool for pre-procedural assessment and intra-procedural guidance of cardiac interventions.

Prognostic Implication of Mitral Valve Disease and Its Progression in East Asian Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a genetic disorder affecting not only the myocardium but also the mitral valve (MV) and its apparatus. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implication of MV disease and its progression in East Asian patients with HCM. Methods and Results We assessed MV structure and function on the indexed echocardiogram of 1185 patients with HCM (mean±SD age, 60±14 years; men, 67%) in a longitudinal HCM registry, and 667 patients who performed follow-up echocardiogram after 3 to 5 years were also analyzed. Progression of mitral regurgitation (MR) was defined as the increase of at least 1 grade. Clinical outcomes were defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, heart failure hospitalization, MV surgery or septal myectomy, and heart transplantation. Most of the entire cohort was nonobstructive type (n=1081 [91.2%]). A total of 278 patients (23.5%) showed at least mild MR on indexed echocardiogram. MR, systolic anterior motion, and mitral annular calcification were more prevalent in patients with obstructive HCM. During 7.0±4.0 years of follow-up, presence of MR was independently associated with poor clinical outcomes (hazard ratio [HR], 1.60 [95% CI, 1.07-2.40]; P=0.023). On follow-up echocardiogram, 67 (10.0%) patients showed MR progression, and it was independently associated with poor prognosis (HR, 2.46 [95% CI, 1.29-4.71]; P=0.007). Conclusions In East Asian patients with HCM whose major type is nonobstructive, MV disease is common. MR, systolic anterior motion, and mitral annular calcification are more prevalent in patients with obstructive HCM. The presence and progression of MR are associated with a poor prognosis in patients with HCM.

Mitral annular calcification: The incremental diagnostic value of 3D transesophageal echocardiography

Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is an important tool in the evaluation of mitral valve anatomy. We illustrate a case of a 67-year-old female who was admitted for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and underwent two-vessel coronary artery bypass grafting for surgical disease. Her two-dimensional (2D) echocardiographic images intraoperatively demonstrated a mass on the posterior mitral valve leaflet which created a diagnostic challenge; 3D transesophageal imaging was crucial in identifying the true nature of the pathology to be mitral annular calcification with supra-annular extension.

Risk of Stroke With Mitral Stenosis: The Underlying Mechanism, Treatment, and Prevention

Mitral stenosis (MS), a valvular heart disease, is defined by the narrowing of the mitral valve orifice. The common risk factors for stroke include mitral annular calcification (MAC), diabetes mellitus (DM), male gender, hypertension (HTN), hyperlipidemia, and obesity. Endothelial damage, hypercoagulability, and blood stasis in the left atrium promote the development of the thrombus. Among all the risk factors described, MAC is the independent predictor of stroke. The complicated mechanisms responsible for thromboembolism, predisposing factors for thromboembolism, the risk of cerebrovascular accident (CVA) in MS patients, advanced standardized assessment models for identifying those at risk for stroke, and the possible advantages and disadvantages of available therapies have all been discussed in this review article. We have also discussed newer oral anticoagulants (NOACs) like dabigatran, edoxaban, apixaban, and rivaroxaban. Non-pharmacological therapies are also highlighted such as left atrial appendage ligation and occlusion devices. We also conducted a thorough review of the literature on the efficacy and safety of various NOACs in reducing the risk of stroke.

Mitral and Aortic Regurgitation in Patients Undergoing Kidney Transplantation: The Natural Course and Factors Associated With Progression

Background

Valve regurgitation can decrease with resolution of hemodynamic loads on the left ventricle (LV) after kidney transplantation (KT). We aimed to investigate the natural course of left-side valve regurgitation after KT and factors associated with progression.

Methods

Among patients who underwent KT in two tertiary centers, 430 (224 men, mean age 50 ± 13 years) were examined by echocardiography within 3 months before KT and between 6 and 36 months after KT. Mitral regurgitation (MR) and aortic regurgitation (AR) were graded according to the current guidelines. Regression was defined as a decrease in regurgitation by one or more steps, and progression was an increase in one or more steps after KT. Clinical and echocardiographic factors associated with progression of MR and AR were analyzed.

Results

Mild or greater MR was observed in 216 (50%) patients before KT, and mild or greater AR was observed in 99 (23%). During the follow-up period of 23.4 ± 9.9 months, most patients experienced regression or no change in regurgitation after KT, but 34 patients (7.9%) showed MR progression and 37 (8.6%) revealed AR progression. Patients who showed MR progression were more likely to receive a second KT, have mitral annular calcifications, and show a smaller decrease in LV end-systolic dimension. Patients who showed AR progression were more likely to have persistent hypertension after KT, aortic valve calcifications, and a smaller reduction of LV end-systolic dimension.

Conclusions

Risk factors for progression of MR after KT include a second KT, MAC and a smaller decrease in LV end-systolic dimension after KT. Risk factors for progression of AR include valve calcification, persistent hypertension and a smaller decrease in LV end-systolic dimension after KT. Further echocardiographic surveillance and risk factor management after KT are warranted in these patients.

OUP accepted manuscript

Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) of the heart is a rare nonneoplastic tumor. A 71-year-old woman presented with a mobile mass within the left ventricular outflow tract during her elective transthoracic echocardiogram. The patient exhibited no symptoms, and intraoperative findings showed the mass originating from the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Transthoracic and transesophageal echo failed to diagnose and localize the origin of the tumor. The tumor origin is unclear, but CAT of the mitral valve may be associated with mitral annular calcification. Surgical excision of the mass definitively diagnoses the tumor and reduces the risk of embolization.

Sex Differences in Mitral Annular Calcification and the Clinical Implications

Background: Heterogeneous mechanisms may contribute to the occurrence of mitral annular calcification (MAC), however, little is known about the sex differences in MAC and the clinical implications of these differences. This study aimed to investigate clinical and imaging differences of MAC according to sex.

Methods: In total, 537 patients (221 men) with MAC were identified by transthoracic echocardiography at a single center from January 2012 to June 2016. Moderate-to-severe MAC was defined as calcification extent ≥120° of the mitral annulus. Significant functional mitral stenosis (MS) was defined as a transmitral mean diastolic pressure gradient ≥5 mmHg.

Results: Women more frequently had moderate-to-severe MAC and concomitant mitral regurgitation than men; however, significant functional MS was comparable between sexes. In the logistic regression analysis, old age, uncontrolled hypertension, end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were significantly associated with moderate-to-severe MAC in women, whereas ESRD and moderate-to-severe aortic stenosis were in men. In the Cox regression analysis, significant functional MS was associated with all-cause death in both sexes, although an independent association was found in only women.

Conclusion: Women had more extended MAC than men. Significant functional MS was independently associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes in patients with MAC, which was more pronounced in women than in men.

Current methods to assess mitral annular calcification and its risk factors

INTRODUCTION

Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is a chronic, non-inflammatory, degenerative mechanism of the fibrous base of the mitral valve. While MAC was originally thought to be an age-related degenerative process, there is evidence that other mechanisms, such as atherosclerosis and abnormal calcium phosphorus metabolism, also contribute to the development of MAC.

AREAS COVERED

This paper summarizes, existing perception of clinically valid definition of MAC and the pathophysiological processes that lead to the development of MAC and the diagnostic implications of this disease entity.

EXPERT OPINION

Minimal evidence exists on the natural history and progression of MAC. Characterization of MAC progression and identification of predisposing risk factors can help to validate hypotheses. MAC is most commonly asymptomatic and incidental finding. Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for identification and characterization of MAC and associated mitral valve (MV) disease. For patients with an indication for MV surgery, computed tomography (CT) is a complementary imaging modality for MAC. MAC is generally recognized by its characteristic density, location, and shape on echocardiography and CT, unusual variants are sometimes confused with other lesions.

Association of Global Cardiac Calcification with Atrial Fibrillation and Recurrent Stroke in Patients with Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source

BACKGROUND

Calcium deposits in the heart have been associated with cardiovascular events, mortality, stroke, and atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there is no accepted standard method for scoring cardiac calcifications. Existing methods have also not been validated for the assessment of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of various cardiac calcification scores with new-onset AF and stroke recurrence in a cohort of patients with ESUS.

METHODS

In this study, 181 consecutive patients with stroke diagnosed with ESUS were identified and evaluated. They were followed for new-onset AF and ischemic stroke recurrence for a median duration of 2.1 years. Various echocardiographic cardiac calcification scores were assessed on transthoracic echocardiography performed during the evaluation of ESUS and subsequently assessed for their relation to AF detection and recurrent stroke. The echocardiographic calcium scores assessed were the (1) global cardiac calcium score (GCCS), (2) echocardiographic calcium score (eCS), (3) echocardiographic calcification score, (4) echocardiographic composite cardiac calcium score, and (5) total heart calcification score. Only two of these scoring schemes, GCCS and eCS, quantified the cardiac calcium burden.

RESULTS

Higher calcium scores as measured by GCCS and eCS were found to be significantly associated with subsequent AF detection as well as recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with ESUS. The association with recurrent stroke remained significant even after adjustment for comorbidities and AF.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher cardiac calcification measured using the GCCS and eCS is independently associated with AF detection and recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with ESUS, and these scores can be useful markers for further risk stratification in patients with ESUS.

Mitral Annular Calcification and Calcific Mitral Stenosis: Role of Echocardiography in Hemodynamic Assessment and Management

As the life expectancy of the population continues to increase, mitral annular calcification has emerged as an important cause of mitral stenosis (MS), commonly referred to as calcific or degenerative MS. Mitral annular calcification results in valvular stenosis when calcification extends into the base of the mitral leaflet(s) and displaces the mitral valve hinge point(s) into the left ventricular inlet. Echocardiographic determination of mitral vale area is fraught with difficulties and often precludes using planimetry or the Hatle formula. Given the numerous confounders that affect transmitral flow in calcific MS, evaluation of lesion severity should incorporate flow-independent methods such as the continuity equation and the mitral valve dimensionless index. In light of the significant risks entailed, there is little enthusiasm for mitral valve replacement in patients with calcific MS. Transcatheter mitral valve replacement is generally offered on a compassionate use basis to patients deemed to be at high surgical risk.

Calcified amorphous tumor with caseous calcification of mitral annulus in hemodialysis patients

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common finding, especially among the elderly. Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare variant of MAC. Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is an extremely rare non-neoplastic cardiac tumor accompanied by calcification and is often associated with MAC. We encountered two patients with end-stage renal failure in whom a cardiac CAT developed on the mitral annulus. In both patients, preoperative examination showed MAC of the posterior mitral annulus and a mobile mass attached to the MAC. CAT and CCMA were considered, and surgical resection was performed because of a high risk of systemic embolization. Intraoperatively, the mobile mass was associated with the CCMA. The CCMA with the mass was entirely removed, and the diagnosis of CAT was histologically confirmed. We herein report these two cases of CAT arising from CCMA in patients undergoing hemodialysis and propose the characteristic imaging features and operative findings.