[Detection of calcium in mitral valve diseases using computer-assisted 2-dimensional echocardiography]

In order to detect mitral valve calcification, 31 consecutive patients were examined using two-dimensional echocardiography 1 day before mitral valve replacement. Calcifications of the valve were diagnosed by digital image control (grey-scale manipulation using S-curve and reject control). After the operation, the excised valves were X-rayed to determine the degree of calcification. Calcifications of the mitral valve were found by echocardiography with a sensitivity of 89.5%, a specificity of 91.7% and a predictive accuracy of 90.3%. The degree of calcification, however, was underestimated in 47%. The results show that the described grey-scale manipulations are a reliable method of detecting calcifications of the mitral valve by echocardiography. This enables the preoperative identification of those patients who are suitable for mitral valve commissurotomy.