Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 15, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Cardiac computed tomography facilitates operative planning in patients with mitral calcification
Jennifer Higgins1, John Mayo, Peter Skarsgard
1Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Abstract:
Extensive mitral annular calcification (MAC) can represent a significant surgical challenge. We use three illustrative examples to describe our early experience with electrocardiogram-gated cardiac computed tomography (CT) as a preoperative tool to localize MAC and to predict requisite surgical techniques. In all three cases, cardiac CT accurately delineated the location and extent of calcification compared with intraoperative findings, and in each case, it assisted in predicting the required operation (avoidance vs resection of calcification; need for annular reconstruction). All 3 patients experienced an uneventful postoperative course with no evidence of paravalvular leak on follow-up echocardiography.
Related Concept Videos
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
