Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
06:29

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques

Published on: June 11, 2019

Critical multi-organ emboli originating from collapsed, vulnerable caseous mitral annular calcification

Taka-aki Matsuyama1, Hatsue Ishibashi-Ueda, Yoshihiko Ikeda

  • 1Department of Pathology, Heart Failure Division, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Suita, Japan. taka94242879@gmail.com

Pathology International
|June 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Mitral annular calcification (MAC), often asymptomatic, may cause lethal embolisms. Debris from collapsed, vulnerable MAC can trigger severe embolic events in patients with existing atherosclerotic stenosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Pathology
  • Embolic Events
  • Geriatric Cardiology

Background:

  • Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common finding in aging hearts, typically asymptomatic.
  • Its role as an independent risk factor for stroke is debated in clinical studies.

Observation:

  • A postmortem examination of a patient with mitral annular calcification.
  • Identification of caseous material originating from a collapsed MAC.
  • Discovery of this material lodged in stenosed atherosclerotic cerebral and coronary arteries.

Findings:

  • Debris from a vulnerable, caseous MAC contributed to fatal embolisms across multiple organs.
  • The caseous materials from the collapsed MAC were found trapped in narrowed atherosclerotic arteries.

Implications:

  • This case suggests that subtle debris from collapsed, vulnerable MAC can precipitate severe embolic events.
  • Such events can be lethal, particularly in patients with pre-existing severe atherosclerotic stenosis in vital organs.
  • Highlights the potential embolic risk associated with specific types of mitral annular calcification.

More Related Videos

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

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 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 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...
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...