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Intracardiac pseudotumor caused by mitral annular calcification
E A de Vrey1, A J H A Scholte, X H Krauss
1Department of Cardiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands. e.a.de_vrey@lumc.nl
Summary
A rare cardiac pseudotumor was diagnosed as mitral annular calcification. Surgical removal and mitral valve repair were successful, highlighting surgery as a key treatment for stroke risk reduction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Pseudotumors in the left ventricle are rare cardiac masses.
- Mitral annular calcification (MAC) can present as a cardiac mass.
- MAC is a known risk factor for cerebrovascular events.
Observation:
- A mobile, echodense mass was identified on the posterior mitral leaflet and annulus via echocardiography.
- Surgical exploration revealed the mass to be caseous annular calcification of the posterior mitral leaflet.
- The patient underwent successful resection of the mass and mitral valvular plasty.
Findings:
- Caseous mitral annular calcification can mimic a cardiac pseudotumor.
- Surgical intervention with mitral valve repair is a viable treatment option.
- Mitral annular calcification is associated with an increased risk of stroke.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis and surgical management of symptomatic MAC may reduce stroke risk.
- Further research, including randomized trials, is needed to establish optimal treatment guidelines.
- This case underscores the importance of considering MAC in the differential diagnosis of left ventricular masses.