Infective calcified amorphous tumor on mitral valve and critical course of left ventricular rupture

Kazuma Handa1, Shinya Fukui1, Yukitoshi Shirakawa1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Osaka General Medical Center, 3-1-56 Bandai-higashi, Osaka, Sumiyoshi 556-8558, Japan.

Insights

Infective calcified amorphous tumors (CATs) are exceptionally rare cardiac lesions. This case highlights the extreme risks associated with infected CATs, even with surgical intervention, emphasizing the need for utmost caution.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Calcified amorphous tumors (CATs) are rare intracavitary cardiac lesions.
  • Infection accompanying CATs is exceptionally rare, posing unique clinical challenges.

Observation:

  • A 76-year-old female presented with cerebral infarction and an echocardiographic finding of a large, mobile, calcified mass on the posterior mitral valve, diagnosed as a CAT.
  • The patient exhibited moderate aortic and severe mitral regurgitation, and blood cultures identified *Gamella* sp. infection.
  • Surgical resection of the infective CAT revealed unclear borders due to severe infection and necrosis, complicating the procedure.

Findings:

  • Complete resection of the infective CAT was achieved, followed by mitral and aortic valve replacement with bioprostheses and annular reconstruction.
  • Despite successful surgical repair, the patient experienced two episodes of left ventricular rupture during weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass.
  • The patient ultimately succumbed to multi-organ failure on postoperative day 6, despite aggressive management.

Implications:

  • This case represents the first reported instance of an infective calcified amorphous tumor in such a critical clinical scenario.
  • Infection significantly escalates the risk and complexity associated with CATs, underscoring the need for extreme vigilance.
  • The management of infective CATs requires meticulous surgical planning and intensive postoperative care due to high complication rates.

Related Concept Videos

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
72
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
42
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
76
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction01:27

Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction

IntroductionThe mitral valve, one of the heart's four valves, regulates blood flow. These valves have flaps that open and close to direct blood properly through the heart and body. During each heartbeat, the flaps open for blood to pass through and seal shut to prevent backflow. Specifically, the mitral valve opens to allow blood flow from the heart's upper left chamber to the lower left chamber. It then closes securely as the lower left chamber contracts to pump blood to the body, preventing...
62
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...
71
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management01:26

Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management

Mitral stenosis, a condition marked by the narrowing of the mitral valve, necessitates an integrated approach for effective management. This approach includes preventative measures, medical therapy, and surgical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.PreventionPrevention of mitral stenosis primarily focuses on reducing the incidence of bacterial infections, particularly streptococcal infections, which can lead to rheumatic fever and subsequent valvular damage. Timely...
36