Presence Of Mitral Annulus Calcification Research Articles

Aşil tendonu gerinim oranı ile mitral anulus kalsifikasyonu varlığı arasındaki ilişki

Purpose: We aimed to investigate the significance of Achilles tendon (AT) thickness (T) and AT strain ratio (SR), determined by AT ultrasonography (US) and strain elastography (SE), in determining patients with mitral annulus calcification (MAC).
 Materials and Methods: 100 patients (65 females, 35 males, mean age 64.7 ± 12.1 years) diagnosed with MAC after echocardiography and 50 control subjects (32 females, 18 males, mean age 63.2 ± 12.8 years) with similar cardiovascular risk factors were included. Laboratory tests and AT US were performed. AT T and AT-SR were calculated.
 Results: AT -T and AT-SR were found to be significantly higher in patients with MAC. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, AT -T and AT-SR independently determined the risk for MAC. According to this analysis, AT -T (1 mm each) and AT-SR (0.1 each) increased the risk for MAC by 69.9% and 12.7%, respectively. When ROC was analyzed using AT -T and AT-SR to predict patients with MAC, the areas under the curve (AUC) of ROC were 0.684 and 0.819, respectively. In the same analysis accepting the cut-off value of 1.25 for AT-SR, the presence of MAC was detected with a sensitivity of 94.1% and a specificity of 76.2%.
 Conclusion: AT-SR detected in AT SE examination is a simple, reproducible, inexpensive, and noninvasive parameter that can be used to predict patients with MAC. This may be due to the fact that the increase in MAC and AT-SR may be associated with similar physiopathological mechanisms.

Mitral Annulus Calcification and Cardiac Conduction Disturbances: A DANCAVAS Sub-study.

BACKGROUNDDue to its location very close to the bundle of His, mitral annulus calcification (MAC) might be associated with the development of atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances. This study assessed the association between MAC and AV conduction disturbances identified by cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) use and electrocardiographic parameters. The association between MAC and traditional cardiovascular risk factors was also assessed.METHODSThis cross-sectional study analyzed 14,771 participants, predominantly men aged 60–75 years, from the population-based Danish Cardiovascular Screening trial. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were obtained. Using cardiac non-contrast computed tomography imaging, MAC scores were measured using the Agatston method and divided into absent versus present and score categories. CIED implantation data were obtained from the Danish Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Register. A 12-lead electrocardiogram was available for 2,107 participants. Associations between MAC scores and AV conduction disturbances were assessed using multivariate regression analyses.RESULTSMAC was present in 22.4% of the study subjects. Participants with pacemakers for an AV conduction disturbance had significantly higher MAC scores (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.23) than participants without a CIED, whereas participants with a CIED for other reasons did not. Prolonged QRS-interval was significantly associated with the presence of MAC (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.04–2.04), whereas prolonged PQ-interval was not. Female sex and most traditional cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with high MAC scores.CONCLUSIONSMAC was associated with AV conduction disturbances, which could improve our understanding of the development of AV conduction disturbances.

Percutaneous edge-to-edge mitral repair in the presence of mitral annulus calcification

Abstract Background Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is commonly found in patients affected with mitral regurgitation (MR) and it's associated with high morbidity, mortality and worse cardiac surgical outcomes. Transcatheter edge-to-edge mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system has been stablished as a valid alternative to surgery in high risk patients with severe MR. However, its efficacy in patients affected with MAC remains uncertain as this population has been excluded from trials. Objectives To analyze the safety, efficacy and mid-term durability of the treatment of MR with the MitraClip system in patients affected with moderate or severe MAC. Methods Data was obtained from a multicenter spanish registry that prospectively included consecutive patients with MR grade ≥3 undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair with the MitraClip system. Sixty-one patients with moderate or severe MAC were included in the “MAC” group and 791 with no-or-mild MAC were allocated in the “NoMAC” group. Results Procedural success was similar in both groups (91.8% vs 95.06%, p=0.268, in MAC and NoMAC respectively) with a very low rate of complications beside a higher residual mean gradient in the MAC group (3.0 vs 3.6mmHg, p=0.001). At one-year follow-up, 79.5% of NoMAC and 90.6% of MAC patients had MR grade ≤2 (p=0.129). Only 9 patients (1,14%), all in NoMAC group, required reintervention during follow up. Eighty percent of patients in both groups remained in NYHA functional class ≤II and a significant reduction in readmissions for heart failure was also observed (65% vs 78% respectively, p=0.145). One-year mortality was slightly higher in MAC patients (19.67% vs 11.25%, p=0.050) with no difference in cardiovascular mortality (15.25% vs 9.21%, p=0.129). Conclusions Transcatheter edge-to-edge repair with the MitraClip system in selected patients with moderate or severe MAC is safe and feasible with a mid-term durability similar to those without MAC. These patients also benefit clinically from this treatment with a sustained mid-term subjective clinical improvement and no increase in cardiovascular mortality as compared to NoMAC patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Association between monocyte to HDL cholesterol ratio and mitral annulus calcification

Aim: Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is characterized by degenerative calcification of the mitral valve annulus, MAC and atherosclerosis are similar in regard to risk factors and pathogenesis. Monocyte count to high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratio (MHR) is an inflammatory marker that is associated with several atherosclerotic diseases. We aimed to show the association of MHR levels with the presence of MAC.Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted with MAC (+) patients who admitted to our echocardiography laboratory which constituted the study group (n=200) and MAC (-) patients which constituted the control group. Demographic features like age and sex, presence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were similar between groups. Laboratory and echocardiographic parameters were recorded and evaluated for statistical analysis.Results: When groups were compared according to echocardiographic parameters; left atrial diameter, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) were found to be positively correlated with the presence of MAC (r=0.271, p<0.001; r=0.329, p<0.001, respectively). MHR was significantly higher in study group {15.3 (11.9-20.6) vs. 10.8 (8.6-16.9) p<0.001}. In correlation analysis, MHR value was found to be positively correlated with presence of MAC (r=0.273; p <0.001).Conclusion: We found that the presence of MAC was associated with higher MHR, and MHR was significantly correlated with MAC.

Short- and long-term results after prosthetic mitral valve implantation in patients with severe mitral annulus calcification†.

To investigate short- and long-term outcomes of a conservative decalcification approach in mitral valve replacement (MVR) surgery in the presence of mitral annulus calcification (MAC). Of the 1038 patients who underwent MVR, 133 (13%) had significant MAC with at least 30% of the annular circumference heavily calcified. In most patients, the surgical approach to MAC included conservative decalcification, supra-annular prosthesis implantation and insertion of a pericardial patch between the MV annulus and the prosthesis. These patients were matched by a propensity score to a group of patients who underwent MVR without MAC ( n = 118 in each group) and served as a control group. There were 6 early deaths in each group with an overall mortality of 5% ( P = 0.90). Early complications included one major stroke in the non-MAC group and acute renal failure needing dialysis in 2 and 3 patients in the MAC and non-MAC groups, respectively. Mean follow-up was 55 ± 37 months and 99.1% complete. There were 38 (33%) and 33 (29%) late deaths with an estimated survival of 61% and 69% at 6 years in the MAC and non-MAC groups, respectively ( P = 0.55). At follow-up, functional class did not differ between groups ( P = 0.096). Mean echo follow-up time was 40 ± 35 months and was 83% complete. Freedom from moderate or severe mitral regurgitation was 95% and 98%, with an estimated freedom of 95% and 96% at 6 years ( P = 0.20), and mean gradient was 4.9 ± 2.3 mmHg and 5.2 ± 2.0 mmHg for MAC and non-MAC groups, respectively ( P = 0.58). A conservative approach for dealing with MAC is suitable for the majority of patients. Early and late clinical and echocardiographic outcomes did not differ between the MAC and non-MAC patients, including freedom from early and late occurrence of MV prosthesis paravalvular leak.

Prediction of recurrence after cryoballoon ablation therapy in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors predicting the maintenance of sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) who underwent cryoablation of the pulmonary veins (PVs).Methods:Fifty-one patients (54.6±10.4 years) with paroxysmal AF who underwent the cryoablation of the PVs were to the prospective trial. The clinical risk factors and echocardiographic parameters [left atrial (LA) diameter, left ventricular ejection fraction and dimensions, left atrial spontaneous echo contrast (LASEC), mitral annulus calcification (MAC), left atrial appendage emptying peak flow velocity (LAAV), and PV flow] were assessed before the cryoablation procedure. Patients with PAF who refused to use any medication because of intolerance or presentation of resistant symptoms, despite the use of at least one antiarrhythmic drug were enrolled to the study, patients with LA/LAA thrombus on echocardiographic examination, severe valvular disease, pericardial fluid, and abnormal thyroid function tests as well as systemic disease were excluded from the study. All parameters were tested for their ability to predict the recurrence of AF during a 1-year follow-up period.Results:During the period of follow-up, AF recurred in 16 of 51 patients (31.3%/year). All significant parameters associated with the recurrence of AF were evaluated in multivariate logistic regression analysis. The presence of MAC (p<0.001) as well as LA diameter (p<0.0001), LAAV of <30 cm/s (p<0.0001), PV flow systolic wave velocity (p<0.0001), and LASEC (p<0.0001) were detected as independent predictors of recurrence. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis, LAAV of >30 cm/s had a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 95% for predicting success after ablation (AUC=0.813; 95% CI:0.76–0.92; p<0.0001).Conclusion:The presence of MAC, increased LA diameter, the existence of LASEC, low LAAV, and low peak PV systolic wave velocity are parameters that can predict the recurrence of AF after cryoablation.

Relationship between Urinary Level of Phytate and Valvular Calcification in an Elderly Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Pathological calcification generally consists of the formation of solid deposits of hydroxyapatite (calcium phosphate) in soft tissues. Supersaturation is the thermodynamic driving force for crystallization, so it is believed that higher blood levels of calcium and phosphate increase the risk of cardiovascular calcification. However several factors can promote or inhibit the natural process of pathological calcification. This cross-sectional study evaluated the relationship between physiological levels of urinary phytate and heart valve calcification in a population of elderly out subjects. A population of 188 elderly subjects (mean age: 68 years) was studied. Valve calcification was measured by echocardiography. Phytate determination was performed from a urine sample and data on blood chemistry, end-systolic volume, concomitant diseases, cardiovascular risk factors, medication usage and food were obtained. The study population was classified in three tertiles according to level of urinary phytate: low (<0.610 μM), intermediate (0.61–1.21 μM), and high (>1.21 μM). Subjects with higher levels of urinary phytate had less mitral annulus calcification and were less likely to have diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. In the multivariate analysis, age, serum phosphorous, leukocytes total count and urinary phytate excretion appeared as independent factors predictive of presence of mitral annulus calcification. There was an inverse correlation between urinary phytate content and mitral annulus calcification in our population of elderly out subjects. These results suggest that consumption of phytate-rich foods may help to prevent cardiovascular calcification evolution.

Heart valve calcification in patients with type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

PurposeAortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and mitral annulus calcification (MAC) are two powerful predictors of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the etiology of valvular calcification is uncertain. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an emerging cardiovascular risk factor and is very common in type 2 diabetes, but whether NAFLD is associated with valvular calcification in this group of patients is presently unknown. MethodsWe undertook a cross-sectional study of 247 consecutive type 2 diabetic outpatients with no previous history of heart failure, valvular heart diseases (aortic stenosis, mitral stenosis, moderate or severe aortic and mitral regurgitation) or hepatic diseases. Presence of MAC and AVS was detected by echocardiography. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonography. ResultsOverall, 139 (56.3%) patients had no heart valve calcification (HVC-0), 65 (26.3%) patients had one valve affected (HVC-1) and 43 (17.4%) patients had both valves affected (HVC-2). 175 (70.8%) patients had NAFLD and the prevalence of this disease markedly increased in patients with HVC-2 compared with either HVC-1 or HVC-0 (86.1% vs. 83.1% vs. 60.4%, respectively; p<0.001). NAFLD was significantly associated with AVS and/or MAC (unadjusted-odds ratio 3.51, 95% CI 1.89–6.51, p<0.001). Adjustments for age, sex, waist circumference, smoking, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, LDL-cholesterol, kidney function parameters, medication use and echocardiographic variables did not appreciably weaken this association (adjusted-odds ratio 2.70, 95% CI 1.23–7.38, p<0.01). ConclusionsOur results show that NAFLD is an independent predictor of cardiac calcification in both the aortic and mitral valves in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Perioperative cardiac events in endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms and association with preoperative studies

Endovascular repair of complex aortic aneurysms (CAAs) can be performed in high-risk individuals, yet is still associated with significant morbidity, including spinal cord ischemia, cardiac complications, and death. This analysis was undertaken to better define the cardiac risk for CAA. A prospective database of patients undergoing thoracoabdominal or juxtarenal aortic aneurysm repair with branched and fenestrated endografts was used to retrospectively determine the number of cardiac events, defined as myocardial infarction (MI), atrial fibrillation (AF), and ventricular arrhythmia (VA), that occurred ≤ 30 days of surgery. Postoperative serial troponin measurements were performed in 266 patients. Any additional available cardiac information, including preoperative echocardiography, physiologic stress tests, and history of cardiac disease, was obtained from medical records. The efficacy of preoperative stress testing and the association of various echo parameters were evaluated in the context of cardiac outcomes using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Between August 2001 and December 2007, 395 patients underwent endovascular repair of a thoracoabdominal or juxtarenal aortic aneurysm. The incidence of AF, VA, and 30-day cardiac-related death was 9%, 3%, and 2%, respectively. Overall 30-day mortality was 6%. Univariable analysis showed the presence of mitral annulus calcification was associated with MI (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.9-13.8; P = .07). Left atrium cavity area, ejection fraction, left ventricle mass, and left ventricular mass index were univariably associated with the presence of VA. Multivariable analysis showed only the left atrium cavity area was independently associated with VA (OR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.0-1.5; P = .07). Stress test was done in 179 patients. Negative stress test results occurred in 152 (85%), of whom 9 (6%) sustained an MI during the 30-day perioperative course. MI occurred in 2 of the 27 patients (7%) who had a positive stress test result. Endovascular repair of CAA can be performed in high-risk individuals but is associated with significant cardiac risk. It remains difficult to risk stratify patients using preoperative stress testing. Echo evaluation may help to identify patients who may be more likely to develop ventricular arrhythmias in the postoperative period and thus warrant closer monitoring. Postoperative troponin monitoring of all patients undergoing repair of CAA is warranted given the overall risk of MI.

3131: Association between mitral annular calcification and coronary artery disease

Objectives: To determine whether there is an association between the presence of mitral annulus calcification (MAC) and coronary artery disease. Methods: One hundred twenty-eight patients aged ≤65 years with MAC diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography underwent coronary arteriography. They were compared with 86 age- and gender-matched patients without MAC who underwent coronary arteriography during the same period. Results: (1) Compared with the control group, the MAC group had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (88.28% versus 65.12%, p= 0.0003, and a higher prevalence of left main coronary disease (15.63% versus 4.65%, (p= 0.007) and triple vessel disease (55.47% versus 32.56%, p= 0.001). (2) On multivariate analysis, MAC (p= 0.008) was the independent predictors of coronary artery disease, and the predicting value of MAC were higher than hyperlipidaemia (p= 0.02, chest pain (p= 0.03 and age (p= 0.04). (3) The positive predictive value of MAC for finding coronary artery disease was 88.28%. Conclusions: In patients aged≤ 65y, There is a significantassociation between the presence of MAC and coronary artery disease. MAC may be an important marker for coronary artery disease. Coronary arteriography should be undergone to the patients with MAC diagnosed by transthoracic echocardiography as acommon.

Predictors of Mortality in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients with Mitral Annulus Calcification

Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality in the general population. The purpose of the current historical cohort study is to assess risk factors for long-term mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with MAC (n = 30; age, 62 +/- 2 yr), as compared to ESRD patients without MAC (n = 30; age, 63 +/- 2 yr). Additional analysis compared ESRD patients with MAC to non-ESRD patients with MAC (n = 32; age, 66 +/- 2 yr). The groups included age-matched male patients followed at a single center. Long-term survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Regular and stepwise Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine risk factors for mortality. There was a similarly high prevalence of cardiovascular complications, including hypertension, coronary artery disease, left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation, and congestive heart failure, in all three groups. Median survival time was significantly longer in non-ESRD patients (90 months), compared with the ESRD with MAC (45 months) and ESRD without MAC (45 months) patients (log-rank test; P < 0.001). With stepwise Cox proportional hazards model, including ESRD patients with MAC and ESRD patients without MAC, increased calcium x phosphate product, decreased serum creatinine concentration, and the presence of coronary artery disease and lower extremity amputations were independent predictors of mortality for patients with ESRD. With stepwise Cox proportional hazards model, including ESRD patients with MAC and non-ESRD patients with MAC, the presence of ESRD, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, aortic valve calcification, coronary artery disease, and tricuspid regurgitation were independent predictors of mortality. The mortality rate was high in ESRD patients, approximately 15% per year. After accounting for baseline cardiovascular disease and traditional risk factors, the presence of MAC did not confer additional risk for mortality.

ECG-gated multi-detector row CT for assessment of mitral valve disease: initial experience.

Our objective was to evaluate applicability and image quality of contrast-enhanced, retrospectively ECG-gated multi-detector row CT (MDCT) for visualization of anatomical details of the mitral valve and its apparatus, and to determine the value of MDCT for diagnosing abnormal findings of the mitral valve. Twenty consecutive patients with mitral valve disease underwent MDCT preoperatively. Two readers assessed visibility of the mitral valve annulus, mitral valve leaflets, tendinous cords, and papillary muscles by using a four-point Likert grading scale. Abnormal mitral valve findings [thickening of the mitral valve leaflets, presence of mitral annulus calcification (MAC), and calcification of the valvular leaflets] were compared with preoperative echocardiography and intraoperative findings. Visibility of the mitral valve annulus and mitral valve leaflets was good or excellent in 15 patients (75%) and in 19 patients (95%) for papillary muscles. The MDCT yielded a 95-100% agreement compared with echocardiography and surgery with regard to the assessment of mitral valve leaflet thickening and the presence of calcifications of the mitral valve annulus or mitral valve leaflets. Intermodality agreement between MDCT and echocardiography was excellent with regard to classification of mitral valve leaflet thickness (kappa=1.00) and good regarding classification of MAC thickness (kappa=0.73). Contrast-enhanced, retrospectively ECG-gated MDCT allows good to excellent visualization of anatomical details of the mitral valve and its apparatus, and demonstrates good agreement with echocardiography and surgery in diagnosing mitral valve abnormalities.

Association between mitral annulus calcification and carotid atherosclerotic disease.

It has been established that mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is an independent predictor of stroke, though a causative relationship was not proved, and that carotid artery atherosclerotic disease is also associated with stroke. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between the presence of MAC and carotid artery atherosclerotic disease. Of the 805 patients in whom the diagnosis of MAC was made by transthoracic echocardiography between 1995 and 1997, 133 patients (60 men and 73 women; mean age, 74.3+/-8 years; range, 47 to 89 years) underwent carotid artery duplex ultrasound for various indications; the study group comprised these patients. They were compared with 129 age- and sex-matched patients without MAC (57 men and 72 women; mean age, 73.6+/-7 years; range, 61 to 96 years) who underwent carotid artery duplex ultrasound during the same period for the same indications. MAC was defined as a dense, localized, highly reflective area at the base of the posterior mitral leaflet. MAC was considered severe when the thickness of the localized, highly reflective area was > or =5 mm on 2-dimensional echocardiography in the 4-chamber view. Carotid artery stenosis was graded as follows: 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. Compared with the control group, the MAC group showed a significantly higher prevalence of carotid stenosis of > or =40% (45% versus 29%, P=0.006), which was associated with > or =2-vessel disease (23% versus 10%, P=0.006) and bilateral carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (21% versus 10%, P=0.011). Severe MAC was found in 48 patients. More significant differences were found for the severe MAC subgroup (for carotid stenosis of > or =40%) in rates of carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (58% versus 29%, P=0.001), and > or =2-vessel disease (31% versus 10%, P=0.001), in addition to bilateral carotid artery stenosis (27% versus 10%, P=0.004) and even bilateral proximal internal carotid artery stenosis (21% versus 8%, P=0.015). Furthermore, significant carotid artery atherosclerotic disease (stenosis of > or =60%) was significantly more common in the severe MAC subgroup than in the controls (42% versus 26%, P<0.05) and was associated with higher rates of > or =2-vessel disease (19% versus 7%, P=0.02) and bilateral carotid artery stenosis (17% versus 7%, P=0.05). On multivariate analysis, MAC and age but not traditional risk factors were the only independent predictors of carotid atherosclerotic disease (P=0.007 and P=0.04, respectively). There is a significant association between the presence of MAC and carotid artery atherosclerotic disease. MAC may be an important marker for atherosclerotic disease of the carotid arteries. This association may explain the high prevalence of stroke in patients with MAC.

Severe mitral stenosis secondary to massive calcification of the mitral annulus with unusual echocardiographic manifestations

In mitral annular calcifications, hemodynamic documentation of a significant diastolic gradient across the mitral valve has been rarely demonstrated, and then only with the associated finding of a small left ventricular cavity with hypertrophic left ventricular wall. We present a patient with severe mitral annular calcification, with a significant diastolic gradient and unusual echocardiographic manifestations which include a densely calcified mitral valve annulus with anterior mitral valve leaflets consistent with what is seen in patients with mitral stenosis. When recordings were made immediately below the mitral valve annulus at the free edge of the mitral valve, its leaflets were seen departing in opposite directions, certainly not suggestive of outflow obstruction of the left atrium. Although in previous studies it has been suggested that mitral stenosis does not exist in the presence of mitral annulus calcification, our present report indicates that significant diastolic gradients can be found in patients with mitral annular calcifications. Because of the predominance of this condition in the elderly population, it is suggested that a more aggressive approach be taken in those patients in whom it is warranted by clinical circumstance.