Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro
Published on: May 10, 2021
Caseous calcification of the mitral valve ring
Constantin B Marcu1, Andre E Ghantous, Edward K Prokop
1Vrije University Medical Center, Department of Cardiology 6D 120, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands. cobmarcu@hotmail.com
Abstract:
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is found in 10% of patients older than 50 years of age, and represents deposition of calcium between the basal infero-lateral ventricular wall and the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Caseous calcification, formed from a mixture of calcium, cholesterol and fatty acids, is an uncommon variant found on echocardiography in 0.6% of patients with MAC. The characteristic echographic appearance is of a large echo-dense structure with echo-lucent center and smooth borders. Caseous MAC carries a benign prognosis despite its impressive appearance and should not be misdiagnosed as a more serious condition such as myocardial abscess or tumor.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

