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Coronary artery calcification correlates with the presence and severity of valve calcification

G Koulaouzidis1, R Nicoll, T MacArthur

  • 1Heart Centre and Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Sweden.

International Journal of Cardiology
|September 3, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Calcification in the aortic or mitral valves is linked to significant coronary artery calcification (CAC). This association highlights valve calcification as a marker for severe coronary artery disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Left heart valve calcification, including aortic valve (AVC) and mitral annulus calcification (MAC), is increasingly recognized.
  • The relationship between valve calcification and coronary artery calcification (CAC) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) in patients with symptomatic left heart valve calcification.
  • To assess the association between aortic valve calcification (AVC), mitral annulus calcification (MAC), and the presence/severity of CAC.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 282 patients with AVC or MAC.
  • Utilized Agatston scoring for quantifying calcification in coronary arteries, aortic valve, and mitral annulus.
  • Correlated valve calcification scores with coronary artery calcification scores.

Main Results:

  • Aortic valve calcification (AVC) was significantly more prevalent than mitral annulus calcification (MAC) (64% vs. 2.5%).
  • A substantial proportion of patients with AVC (53.5%) and combined AVC+MAC (31.6%) also had significant coronary artery calcification (CAC).
  • Higher AVC and MAC scores correlated with higher CAC scores, with AVC score predicting CAC presence.

Conclusions:

  • The presence and extent of aortic valve and/or mitral valve calcification are strongly associated with severe coronary artery calcification.
  • Valve calcification may serve as an indicator for underlying coronary artery disease.
  • Further research can explore the clinical utility of valve calcification in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Abstract

Keywords:
Aortic valve calcificationCoronary artery calcificationMitral annulus calcificationValve calcification

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