[Intramyocardial calcification of unknown origin (author's transl)]

A case of intramyocardial calcification is presented. The etiology can neither be explained by history, nor by clinical or histological examination. The diagnosis was made by cardiac catheterization and angiocardiography. This showed that the calcification had occurred mostly in the myocardium of the left ventricle and interventricular septum. Because of chronic heart failure surgery was indicated and large amounts of the calcified mass were removed by means of an open heart operation. One and a half years later the patient is much improved though clinical signs of heart failure persist. Possible causes of myocardial calcification are discussed and the problems of surgical intervention outlined.