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The impact of mitral annular calcification on left ventricular function in nonagenarians

Ki Woo Seo1, Eun Young Kim, Jeong Eun Kim

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Heart Research Institute, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Korea.

Korean Circulation Journal
|July 1, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is highly prevalent in nonagenarians, correlating with increased left ventricular filling pressures. This study highlights MAC

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatrics
  • Echocardiography

Background:

  • Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is linked to cardiac degeneration and mortality.
  • MAC has not been extensively studied in extreme age groups (>/=90 years).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical significance of MAC in nonagenarians.
  • To compare MAC in nonagenarians with that in younger adults (20-50 years).

Main Methods:

  • Echocardiographic assessment of 43 nonagenarians and 51 young controls.
  • Evaluation of MAC frequency and severity using M-mode and Doppler imaging.
  • Tissue Doppler imaging was employed to assess diastolic function (E/E').

Main Results:

  • Nonagenarians exhibited a significantly higher frequency (97%) and severity of MAC compared to controls (17%).
  • MAC was correlated with lower ejection fraction and increased left ventricular mass index in nonagenarians.
  • Early mitral inflow velocity/early diastolic mitral annulus velocity (E/E') showed a strong correlation with MAC in nonagenarians.

Conclusions:

  • MAC is strongly associated with extreme age and may indicate increased left ventricular filling pressures in nonagenarians.
  • Further research is needed to explore cardiovascular mortality and structural changes related to age-associated MAC.
Keywords:
Left ventricleMitral valueNonagenarians

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