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Mitral annular calcification: challenges and future perspectives

Mathias Van Hemelrijck1, Maurizio Taramasso1, Gökhan Gülmez1

  • 1Department of Cardiac Surgery, University Hospital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, CH-8091 Zürich, Switzerland.

Indian Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|October 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) involves calcium buildup on heart structures, complicating treatments and increasing risks. This review explores current challenges, surgical options, and emerging transcatheter mitral valve implantation alternatives for managing MAC.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Interventional Cardiology

Background:

  • Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a degenerative process affecting the mitral valve's support structure.
  • MAC often coexists with other cardiac conditions, complicating management and increasing patient morbidity and mortality.
  • Optimal treatment strategies for mitral valve disease in the presence of MAC remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of mitral annular calcification (MAC).
  • To highlight the current challenges associated with MAC diagnosis and treatment.
  • To review existing and emerging therapeutic alternatives for MAC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current research on mitral annular calcification.
  • Analysis of surgical and transcatheter treatment options for mitral valve disease in patients with MAC.
  • Discussion of the implications of MAC on cardiac pathology and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • MAC presents significant challenges in surgical mitral valve interventions.
  • Conventional surgical approaches for mitral valve disease may be hindered by MAC.
  • Transcatheter mitral valve implantation is emerging as a viable alternative to surgery for select patients with MAC.

Conclusions:

  • Mitral annular calcification is a complex condition requiring careful consideration in treatment planning.
  • A range of treatment options, from conventional surgery to transcatheter interventions, are available for mitral valve disease with MAC.
  • Further research is needed to refine treatment strategies and improve outcomes for patients with MAC.

Keywords:
Mitral annular calcificationMitral valveTranscatheter

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