A Report of Two Cases with Caseous Annular Calcification of the Mitral Valve.

Abstract

Introduction: Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare variant of mitral annulus calcification, a chronic and degenerative mitral valve fibrous ring process. It usually carries a benign prognosis. The prevalence of CCMA is about 0.06%-0.07% of the population. CCMA is generally diagnosed incidentally and can be confused with other intracardiac masses such as cardiac tumors, abscesses, vegetation, or calcified thrombi. Multimodality imaging, including TEE, cardiac computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic nuclear resonance, can easily differentiate CCMA from other masses and help avoid unnecessary surgery. CCMA is typically located in the basal area of the posterior mitral valve, and the calcification seems like a round, large, soft mass with a central echo-dense location. CCMA may have a benign course, but it may sometimes be complicated with mitral valvular dysfunction, systemic embolization, or conduction abnormalities in the scenarios mentioned above, as well as when the diagnosis is unclear, surgery is indicated. Mitral valve replacement should be preferred compared to mitral valve repair.
 Conclusions: It is important to note that the decision for mitral valve replacement, including CAC cases, should be individualized based on various factors, including the patient's clinical condition, symptoms, severity of valve disease, and associated comorbidities.
 As scientific understanding and research progress, there may be ongoing developments and refinements in the conservative and surgical management of CCMA.