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Infective endocarditis on mitral annular calcification: a case report

Giovanni Minardi1, Paolo G Pino, Martina Sordi

  • 1Cardiodiagnostica non invasiva, Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo-Forlanini, Rome, Italy.

Cases Journal
|January 12, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Infective endocarditis on mitral annular calcification is rare but serious. Transthoracic echocardiography aids diagnosis, enabling timely antibiotic prophylaxis for high-risk patients.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common in the elderly, often benign.
  • MAC can predispose individuals to infective endocarditis (IE).
  • IE on MAC is infrequently reported, potentially leading to underestimated sepsis frequency due to diagnostic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight a case of infective endocarditis on mitral annular calcification.
  • To emphasize the diagnostic utility of transthoracic echocardiography in such cases.

Main Methods:

  • Case presentation of a patient with acute coronary syndrome.
  • Diagnosis of infective endocarditis on mitral annular calcification using transthoracic echocardiography.

Main Results:

  • Transthoracic echocardiography revealed characteristic findings of infective endocarditis superimposed on mitral annular calcification.
  • Successful diagnosis facilitated appropriate management.

Conclusions:

  • Transthoracic echocardiography is crucial for diagnosing IE on MAC.
  • Early diagnosis allows for adequate antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing invasive procedures.

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