Posterior Mitral Ring Research Articles

P271 CASEOUS CALCIFICATION OF THE MITRAL ANNULUS: ROLE OF 3D ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Abstract The caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare degenerative condition of the mitral valve (0.067% prevalence in the general population) that generally affects older women with hypertension, chronic kidney disease and dyslipidemia. Usually CCMA is asymptomatic and it is associated with mild to moderate mitral regurgitation and it can cause severe mitral valve dysfunction that requires surgical treatment. CASE 1: A 84–year–old woman, with arterial hypertension, was evaluated in our clinic to perform a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) for a previous finding of heart murmur. TTE reveled at the level of the posterior mitral annulus a hyperechoic roundish formation with a central eco–shiny area with a maximum diameter of 20x20 mm. A tridimensional trans–esophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) allowed a better characterization of the mass showing well–defined contours, adhered to the posterior mitral annulus, systolic dislocation of the anterior mitral leaflet, with slight mitral regurgitation. Considering the morphological characteristics of the mass we concluded for a presumptive diagnosis of CMAC. We recommended regular follow–up to the patient. After 6 and 12 months the mass did not change in size and echostructure. CASE 2: An 88–year–old woman with chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure and chronic ischemic heart disease was admitted to our ward for acute heart failure. TTE showed a large an echodense mass (43 × 19 mm) involving the posterior mitral annulus, with a central echo–lucent area. A 3D TEE was performed with better mass characterization: involvement of the entire posterior mitral ring, reduced movement of the posterior mitral flap, anterior mitral flap with normal morphology and normal mobility. In consideration of the echocardiographic characteristics we concluded for the presence of CMAC. We discharged the patient with indication for a regular clinical and echocardiographic follow–up. Conclusions The 3D TTE provides adequate morphostructural information that allows in most cases to characterize the CCAM. When the transthoracic approach is difficult due to poor acoustic windows, 3D TEE can be used. Only in rare cases it is necessary to use second–level diagnostic tests such as CT and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Mapping and Ablation of Premature Atrial Section Contractions Originating from the Posterior Mitral Annulus: A Case Report

Premature Atrial Contractions (PAC) is frequent arrhythmias. Previously, regarded as a benign electrocardiographic finding, they are now linked to adverse outcomes such as, stroke and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, a high burden of PACs >1.500/24 hours has a predicted probability of atrial fibrillation occurrence. Herein, the authors presented a case of a 35-year-old male patient, with high burden PACs, originating in the posterior mitral annulus. Treatment with class IC (flecainide, propafenone) antiarrhythmic drugs and beta blockers (bisoprolol) was ineffective in controlling the tachycardia, therefore, catheter ablation was performed. The procedure was performed using the Three-Dimensional (3D) Biosense Webster Carto 3 electroanatomical mapping system. The area of the earliest atrial signal was located at the posterior mitral annulus. Successful elimination of the ectopy was obtained with Radiofrequency (RF) application on the posterior mitral ring. A single RF application of 30 W for 60 seconds abolished PACs, with no further recurrence. Holter Electrocardiogram (ECG) showed, no PACs at one, six and 12 months follow-up. Catheter ablation remains an effective approach to cure the arrhythmia, when medical treatment with antiarrhythmic drugs is ineffective or undesirable in patients with high burden PACs.

501 CASEOUS CALCIFICATION OF THE MITRAL ANNULUS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF ITS IDENTIFICATION IN THE CLINICAL PRACTICE: A REPRESENTATIVE CASE

Abstract 1. Introduction Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus (CCMA) is a rare condition characterized by a liquefaction degeneration that usually involves posterior mitral ring and it is considered a variant of mitral annulus calcification. Its prevalence is very low, but it is possible that it is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This condition is related with increased age, female sex, chronic kidney disease and calcium metabolism disorders. The lesion can be detected using imaging techniques and its management is conservative in most cases. 2. Case Study A 72-year-old man hospitalized for bilateral pneumonia complicated with ARDS has come to our attention. The patient had a history of stage IV renal failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus and calcific degenerative aortic valve disease. During its stay in the Intensive Care Unit a routine Transthoracic Echocardiogram showed a vegetation suspected for infective endocarditis that involved the posterior mitral leaflet. However, the clinical presentation did not support endocarditis diagnosis as no microorganisms were isolated at multiple blood cultures and other Duke Criteria were negative. Given the limited acoustic viewing of transthoracic echocardiogram it was necessary to perform a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) for a better characterization of the valve lesion. TEE showed the presence of a round lesion, about 2×2 cm in size, with smooth borders, located over the mitral annulus with extension up to the posterior mitral leaflet and with a partially mobile portion. The lesion had a corpuscular appearance inside with less echogenicity and without evidence of flow. No significant functional alterations of the mitral valve were detected (anterograde transmitral flow Mean Gradient 4-5 mmHg; Mild regurgitation). We therefore concluded for Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus as the most likely diagnosis and decided for a conservative management. A new TEE was performed as a control after one week showing no significant changes on the valve lesion. 3. Conclusions It is important for echocardiographers to be familiar with CCMA and to know how to distinguish it from other valve lesions such as infective vegetation, abscesses or tumors. An integration with other cardiac imaging techniques, patient past medical history and clinical-laboratory data can help the physician in the correct characterization of valve lesions and subsequent most appropriate therapeutic approach for the patient.

Calcified Amorphous Tumour of the Mitral Annulus Imaged With Transoesophageal Three-Dimensional Echocardiography: A Rare Cause of Systemic Embolism

A 66-year-old man, with a history of diabetes, hypertension, and smoking was diagnosed with left-eye retinal ischaemia leading to complete ocular blindness. After hospital admission no evidence of atrial fibrillation at telemetric monitoring or carotid artery disease was found. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed, which showed a 5 mm intracardiac hyperechogenic mobile mass attached to the atrial side of posterior mitral ring, suggestive of cardiac papillary fibro-elastoma. Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed, but the results were inconclusive for tissue characterisation owing to the small dimensions and high mobility of the mass.

Multimodality imaging assessment of a caseous calcification of the mitral valve annulus

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare echocardiographic finding. It is commonly misdiagnosed as an abscess, tumor or infective vegetation on the mitral valve. Since it is a benign process, differentiating it from malignant intra-cardiac mass is primordial to avoid unnecessary surgery. Various imaging modalities can be complimentary for definitive diagnosis. We present a case of CCMA in a 71-year-old female patient. Her medical history revealed hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia and coronary artery disease. She was referred to our department for coronary catheterization because of angina symptoms upon minimal exertion. The lesion was detected during echocardiography and was defined as a mass of heterogeneous content with calcification points, located at the posterior side of the mitral valve annulus. Restricted motion of the posterior leaflet and the mass effect caused only minimal mitral regurgitation. To establish the correct diagnosis, we performed the full spectrum of noninvasive cardiac imaging modalities. Transesophageal echocardiography identified well-organized, composite lesion with regular edges, markedly calcified margins and more echolucent central portion. A computed tomography (CT) was performed, showing a hyperdense mass with hypodense center and a calcified peripheral rim located at the posterior mitral ring. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed that the mass was hypointense with respect to the myocardium in the T1 and T2-weighted sequences and only presented late-phase enhancement in the surrounding capsule. Based on the CT and MRI findings, the diagnosis of CCMA was established. The patient was managed conservatively.

Giant unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm with complete heart block

In this rare case report of giant unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA), a 17-year-old male presented with sudden onset syncope due to complete heart block (CHB). An emergency evaluation was done with the help of transthoracic echocardiography, transesophageal echocardiography, and cardiac catheterization with support of temporary pacemaker. The obvious distorting effects of a giant SOVA dissecting into interventricular septum were CHB, significant regurgitation of tricuspid and mitral valve, mild regurgitation aortic valve and biventricular dysfunction. The case was treated by repair of SOVA and posterior mitral ring annuloplasty. CHB improved to sinus rhythm on 11th day after surgery. On follow-up, tricuspid valve regurgitation improved to mild regurgitation and he continued to have mild aortic regurgitation.<Learning objective: Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SOVA) may present with cardiac emergency without rupture. A giant unruptured SOVA competes for space with neighboring intra cardiac structures. The distorting effects are erosion into interventricular septum, complete heart block (CHB), valvular and ventricular dysfunction. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography provide enough information for emergency surgery. Sometimes, evaluation may need cardiac catheterization and computed tomography. Immediate surgery saves life. CHB may improve on follow-up.>

Multimodality imaging of a giant caseous calcification of the mitral annulus

We present an unusual case of giant caseous calcification of the mitral annulus in a 58-year-old female patient. The mass was detected during echocardiography and was defined as a big, round echodense lesion attached to the posterior mitral ring annulus. The patient was further evaluated with a full spectrum of cardiac noninvasive imaging modalities and the diagnosis was confirmed. Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus is a rare entity usually diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography. Since it is very important to differentiate it from cardiac tumors, complimentary imaging modalities could be used for this purpose if a doubt exists about the diagnosis.

Defeito do anel fibroso mitral posterior com aneurisma de átrio esquerdo e insuficiência mitral: tratamento cirúrgico com sucesso

Atrial aneurysm is a rare condition and can be found on the atrial appendage or on the atrial wall. Most patients are asymptomatic, but arrhythmias, thromboembolism, and heart failure are common complications. We present a 39 years old female patient with posterior mitral ring defect causing a great aneurysm of the left posterior atrial wall with mitral insufficiency. The diagnosis was achieved by chest roentgenogram (marked prominence of the upper left heart border) and echocardiography (great left atrial aneurysm behind the left posterior ventricular wall with mitral insufficiency). Left ventricular cineangiogram suggested the presence of a false aneurysm of the left ventricle. The patient subsequently underwent surgical treatment with cardiopulmonary bypass. Posterior mitral valve annuloplasty was performed with aneurysm exclusion and posterior left atrial wall reconstruction using a bovine pericardial patch. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged sympton-free on the eighth postoperative day.

Sensitivity and specificity of two-dimensional echocardiographic signs of mitral valve prolapse

The sensitivity and specificity of previously described 2-dimensional echocardiographic signs of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) were assessed in 70 patients with MVP and in 100 normal control subjects. Specificity of individual signs was uniformly high, ranging from 88% for excessive motion of the posterior mitral ring to 100% for several signs including systolic arching in the parasternal long-axis view, excessive posterior coaptation and diastolic doming of the anterior mitral leaflet. Sensitivity of individual signs was low to moderate, ranging from 1% for whip-like motion of both mitral leaflets to 70% for excessive posterior coaptation of the mitral leaflets in the apical 4-chamber view. The highest sensitivity value (87%) was associated with the presence of systolic arching of 1 or both mitral leaflets in the parasternal long-axis view or systolic bowing of 1 or both mitral leaflets in the apical 4-chamber view or excessive posterior coaptation of the mitral leaflets or a combination. This increase in sensitivity was achieved without sacrificing specificity (97%). Thus, the individual 2-dimensional echocardiographic signs tested possess uniformly high specificity, but only low to moderate sensitivity; however, sensitivity can be markedly enhanced without sacrificing specificity by using selected combinations of echocardiographic signs.