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Updated: Jun 11, 2025

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Rethinking Mitral Annular Calcification and Its Clinical Significance: From Passive Process to Active Pathology

Paula Cristina Morariu1,2, Alexandru Florinel Oancea1,3, Evelina Maria Gosav1,2

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, "Grigore T. Popa" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania.

Journal of Personalized Medicine
|September 28, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Mitral annular calcification is an active indicator of cardiovascular disease, not just aging. Recognizing this condition aids in assessing cardiovascular risk and understanding systemic inflammation and metabolic issues.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic degenerative condition of the mitral valve's fibrous base.
  • Historically considered age-related, MAC is now understood to involve active mechanisms like systemic inflammation, hemodynamic stress, and metabolic dysregulation.
  • While often asymptomatic, MAC is strongly linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk and mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate mitral annular calcification as a potential embolic source.
  • To explore the relationship between MAC, systemic inflammation, and metabolic disorders.
  • To clarify the diagnostic complexities and controversies surrounding MAC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on mitral annular calcification.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria and imaging modalities for MAC.
  • Examination of etiological factors including inflammation, metabolism, and hemodynamics.

Main Results:

  • Mitral annular calcification is an active process, not merely a passive marker of aging.
  • MAC serves as an indicator of atherosclerotic burden.
  • The condition has significant implications for overall cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

  • Mitral annular calcification should be integrated into cardiovascular risk assessment strategies.
  • MAC provides valuable insights into underlying systemic inflammatory processes.
  • Understanding MAC is crucial for identifying metabolic dysregulation and guiding patient management.
Abstract

Keywords:
agingatherosclerosisinflammationmetabolic syndromemitral annular calcificationstrokevalve disease

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