Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Mitral annular calcification associated with impaired coronary microvascular function

Huseyin Bozbas1, Bahar Pirat, Aylin Yildirir

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey. hbozbas@gmail.com

Atherosclerosis
|November 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is linked to impaired coronary flow reserve (CFR), indicating microvascular dysfunction. This study found lower CFR in patients with MAC, suggesting it may be an early sign of atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Echocardiography

Background:

  • Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with atherosclerosis and predicts cardiovascular events.
  • Coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessed by echocardiography reliably indicates coronary microvascular function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate coronary flow reserve (CFR) in patients with and without mitral annular calcification (MAC).

Main Methods:

  • Seventy patients (35 with MAC, 35 controls) without coronary artery disease or diabetes were studied.
  • Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography measured coronary peak flow velocities at baseline and after dipyridamole infusion.
  • CFR was calculated as the ratio of hyperemic to baseline diastolic peak flow velocities.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in clinical/demographic characteristics between groups.
  • Mean CFR was significantly lower in the MAC group (2.25+/-0.41) compared to controls (2.64+/-0.57).
  • Independent predictors of lower CFR included MAC, smoking, and C-reactive protein levels.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary flow reserve (CFR) is impaired in patients with mitral annular calcification (MAC).
  • This suggests the presence of coronary microvascular-endothelial dysfunction, an early marker of atherosclerosis, in patients with MAC.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management01:22

Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management

IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular tachycardia.