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Mitral annulus calcification and embolism
Abstract:
Of 388 patients consecutively referred to echocardiography, 49 were suspected of having a cardiac source of systemic arterial embolism (SE). Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) was revealed in 27% of the patients with SE and in 8% of the remaining patients (p less than 0.05). The group of patients with SE were slightly older (median age 67 years) and included more female patients (47%) compared to the group without SE (62 years, p less than 0.05; 40% female patients, p greater than 0.05). However, the small differences in age and sex distribution did not explain satisfactorily the considerably increased prevalence of MAC in the group of patients with SE. Our preliminary data indicated that thromboembolism caused by left atrial dilatation and atrial fibrillation might be the most important cause of the condition in patients with MAC and SE. However, the significance of the possible mechanisms of embolism in patients with MAC and the incidence of the complication should be further clarified before therapy and prophylaxis can be suggested.
Insights
Systemic arterial embolism (SE) patients showed a significantly higher prevalence of mitral annulus calcification (MAC). Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and guide therapy for MAC-related embolism.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Systemic arterial embolism (SE) is a serious condition with various potential causes.
- Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is a common finding in echocardiography, particularly in older populations.
- The association between MAC and SE requires further investigation to elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MAC in patients with suspected cardiac sources of SE.
- To explore potential correlations between MAC, patient demographics, and the occurrence of SE.
- To identify potential etiological factors for SE in patients with MAC.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 388 patients undergoing echocardiography.
- Comparison of MAC prevalence between patients with and without suspected SE.
- Statistical analysis of demographic data (age, sex) in relation to SE and MAC.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher prevalence of MAC was observed in patients with SE (27%) compared to those without (8%).
- Patients with SE were slightly older (median 67 vs. 62 years) and had a higher proportion of females (47% vs. 40%), though these differences were not statistically significant for sex.
- Demographic differences did not fully explain the increased MAC prevalence in the SE group.
Conclusions:
- MAC is more prevalent in patients experiencing systemic arterial embolism.
- Left atrial dilatation and atrial fibrillation are suggested as potential mechanisms linking MAC to SE.
- Further studies are warranted to clarify the role of MAC in SE and inform therapeutic strategies.