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Published on: March 30, 2015
Mitral annular calcification-related calcified amorphous tumor in a patient with normal renal function: a case report
Azin Alizadehasl1, Hoda Mombeini2, Saeid Hosseini3
1Department Cardio-oncology, Echocardiography and Cardiogenetic Research Centers, Rajaie Cardiovascular Medical and Research Center, Iran University, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
A rare calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) linked to mitral annular calcification (MAC) was found in a patient with normal kidney function. This case highlights the need for more research into CAT, especially in patients without end-stage renal disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathology
Background:
- Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) is a non-neoplastic cardiac mass.
- Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is frequently associated with CAT.
- Most reported MAC-related CAT cases occur in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old man with normal renal function was incidentally diagnosed with CAT.
- Echocardiography revealed a mobile, hyperechoic mass on the atrial side of a heavily calcified mitral annulus.
- Cardiac surgery and histopathology confirmed MAC-related CAT.
Findings:
- This case presents a rare instance of MAC-related CAT in a patient with normal renal function.
- The diagnosis was incidental, with the patient being asymptomatic.
Implications:
- The etiology and management of MAC-related CAT remain unclear, particularly in non-ESRD patients.
- This rare occurrence underscores the need for further research into the pathology of this uncommon cardiac condition.
- Further studies are crucial to understand the full spectrum of CAT presentation and develop appropriate clinical strategies.
Abstract:
A calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) of the heart is a non-neoplastic mass, characterized by nodules of calcium on a background of amorphous fibrinous material. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is one of the conditions most frequently associated with CAT. Most MAC-related CAT cases are reported in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. This report is a description of a patient with normal renal function who was incidentally diagnosed with a CAT arising from MAC. An asymptomatic 43-year-old man with normal renal function underwent echocardiography. The echocardiography results revealed a highly mobile hyperechoic mass attached to the atrial side of the mitral annulus superimposed on a heavily calcified mitral annulus. Cardiac surgery and histopathological evaluation confirmed a diagnosis of MAC-related CAT. While MAC-related CAT is usually associated with ESRD patients, the precise etiology and management strategy of this benign tumor remain unclear. The rare incidence of this tumor in patients with normal renal function highlights the importance of further research of the pathology of this uncommon condition.

