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Published on: August 28, 2018
Mitral Annulus Calcification and Cardiac Conduction Disturbances: A DANCAVAS Sub-study
Jeppe Holm Rasmussen1,2, Maise Hoeigaard Fredgart1, Jes Sanddal Lindholt3
1Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
Background:
Due to its location very close to the bundle of His, mitral annulus calcification (MAC) might be associated with the development of atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances. This study assessed the association between MAC and AV conduction disturbances identified by cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) use and electrocardiographic parameters. The association between MAC and traditional cardiovascular risk factors was also assessed.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study analyzed 14,771 participants, predominantly men aged 60-75 years, from the population-based Danish Cardiovascular Screening trial. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors were obtained. Using cardiac non-contrast computed tomography imaging, MAC scores were measured using the Agatston method and divided into absent versus present and score categories. CIED implantation data were obtained from the Danish Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Register. A 12-lead electrocardiogram was available for 2,107 participants. Associations between MAC scores and AV conduction disturbances were assessed using multivariate regression analyses.
Results:
MAC was present in 22.4% of the study subjects. Participants with pacemakers for an AV conduction disturbance had significantly higher MAC scores (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.23) than participants without a CIED, whereas participants with a CIED for other reasons did not. Prolonged QRS-interval was significantly associated with the presence of MAC (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.04-2.04), whereas prolonged PQ-interval was not. Female sex and most traditional cardiovascular risk factors were significantly associated with high MAC scores.
Conclusions:
MAC was associated with AV conduction disturbances, which could improve our understanding of the development of AV conduction disturbances.
Insights
Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is linked to atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances, particularly those requiring pacemakers. This finding may enhance understanding of AV conduction issues.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) proximity to the His bundle suggests a potential link to atrioventricular (AV) conduction disturbances.
- Understanding this association is crucial for predicting and managing cardiac conduction abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between MAC and AV conduction disturbances using cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) data and electrocardiographic parameters.
- To investigate the relationship between MAC and traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 14,771 participants from the Danish Cardiovascular Screening trial.
- MAC quantification using cardiac non-contrast computed tomography (Agatston method).
- CIED data from the Danish Pacemaker and Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Register; ECG analysis for 2,107 participants.
Main Results:
- MAC was present in 22.4% of subjects.
- Higher MAC scores were significantly associated with pacemaker implantation for AV conduction disturbances (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23).
- Prolonged QRS interval showed a significant association with MAC presence (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.04-2.04). Female sex and cardiovascular risk factors correlated with high MAC scores.
Conclusions:
- Mitral annulus calcification is associated with atrioventricular conduction disturbances.
- This association may improve the understanding of the etiology of AV conduction disturbances.
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