Mitral annular calcification is a chronic process in which there is deposition of calcium in the mitral valve annulus. The mitral annulus is typically flexible. In mitral annular calcification it becomes less flexible and thicker. The posterior annulus is most commonly affected.
Note greatest narrowing at leaflet tips in rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS) leading to stenosis. In contrast, patients with mitral annular calcification (MAC) have annular calcification with narrowing at leaflet base and annulus, with relatively unrestricted leaflet tip motion, resulting in minimal valvular impedance.
Mitral valve leaflet calcification or mitral leaflet calcification refers to the deposition of calcium on the mitral valvular leaflets as opposed to mitral annular calcification in the mitral annulus. It has been associated with mitral stenosis 1,2.
Calcific mitral valve stenosis (MS) is a disease of the elderly, characterized by impaired left-atrial emptying due to reduced opening of the mitral-valve orifice. Moderate to severe valvular heart disease affects the elderly with a frequency of 13.2% in those ≥75 years of age, without any gender predilection (2).
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.
Background: Mitral annular calcification has been associated with various systemic and cardiac diseases, with a higher prevalence in women and patients over 70. A possible association between mitral annular calcification and coronary artery disease has recently been suggested.
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic degenerative process of the mitral valve ring; it was first described in 1908 by Bonninger as associated with complete heart block.
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic degenerative process associated with advanced age and conditions predisposing to left ventricular hypertrophy. Assessment of mitral valve disease in patients with severe MAC can be a challenge.
Background: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common, particularly in the elderly. While thought to occasionally produce significant mitral regurgitation, it is considered a rare cause of mitral stenosis.
The mitral valve flaps (leaflets) may not close tightly, causing blood to leak backward. Mitral valve stenosis. The flaps of the mitral valve become thick or stiff, and they can fuse together. This narrows the valve opening, which reduces blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
Degenerative mitral stenosis (DMS) is characterized by decreased mitral valve (MV) orifice area and increased transmitral pressure gradient due to chronic noninflammatory degeneration and subsequent calcification of the fibrous mitral annulus and the MV leaflets.
Causes of calcificationinfections.calcium metabolism disorders that cause hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood)genetic or autoimmune disorders affecting the skeletal system and connective tissues.persistent inflammation.