[Calcinosis of the mitral valve system and its effect on valve function. A Doppler echocardiography study]

Non-inflammatory calcific disease of the mitral valve apparatus is a common finding in elderly patients. This study describes the incidence, clinical findings and location of mitral calcium deposits detected by 2D-echocardiography in an unselected series of patients referred for echocardiography to a general hospital. In addition, valvular function was assessed by Doppler sonography. In 48 out of 217 consecutive patients, 2D-echocardiography showed mitral calcium deposits. The mean age of this patient group was 72 +/- 11 years. Clinical histories and findings in most patients indicated an association between calcium deposits and increased tension of valve structures by left ventricular pressure overload (i.e., hypertension, aortic stenosis), dilatative cardiomyopathy or valve prolapse. Calcific deposits were located predominantly at the posterior mitral ring, but in 48% of our patients calcification of mitral chordae was also seen. Mitral regurgitation was detected by Doppler sonography in 52% of the patient group, in 25% at least moderate mitral regurgitation could be demonstrated. The presence of valve incompetence was not dependent on the location of calcium deposits. Mitral valve area, as assessed by Doppler, ranged from 2.1 to 6.7 cm2.