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Liquefaction necrosis of mitral annulus calcification in a patient with chronic renal failure: an unrecognized
C Johanssen1, D Mereles, S Hardt
1Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany. Celine.Johanssen@med.uni-heidelberg.de
Insights
Mitral annulus calcification, a common finding in kidney disease patients, can present as liquefaction necrosis. This specific form may be misdiagnosed as a cardiac tumor or infection.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Pathology
Background:
- Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is a frequent cardiac finding, particularly in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), detected in over 40% during echocardiography.
- A less recognized subtype, liquefaction necrosis of MAC, poses diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- This case highlights liquefaction necrosis of MAC in a patient with chronic renal failure.
- The presentation mimicked an infective vegetation on the mitral valve apparatus.
Findings:
- Liquefaction necrosis of MAC can be mistaken for more serious conditions like cardiac tumors or infective endocarditis.
- Echocardiographers and clinicians may not readily identify this specific form of calcification.
Implications:
- Accurate recognition of liquefaction necrosis of MAC is crucial for appropriate patient management and avoiding unnecessary interventions.
- Increased awareness among healthcare professionals can improve diagnostic accuracy in patients with renal disease and cardiac calcifications.
Abstract:
Mitral annulus calcification is one of the most common cardiac calcifications. In patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing echocardiography, it can be detected in more than 40%. A specific form of mitral annulus calcification is liquefaction necrosis. It is often not adequately recognized by echocardiographers or clinicians and can be mistaken for cardiac tumor or infective vegetation. Here we report a case of liquefaction necrosis of mitral annulus calcification, mimicking an infective vegetation of the mitral valve apparatus in a patient with chronic renal failure.
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