Mitral annular calcification: a cause of systolic murmur in the elderly

Postgraduate Medicine
|March 1, 1982
PubMed

Insights

Mitral annular calcification, a condition affecting mostly older women, causes mitral regurgitation. Diagnosis involves echocardiography, and management includes preventing infective endocarditis and treating heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Mitral annular calcification (MAC) predominantly affects females over 65.
  • It is associated with mitral regurgitation due to loss of mitral annular sphincter action.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the diagnostic considerations and management strategies for mitral annular calcification.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis is primarily based on echocardiography (one- or two-dimensional).
  • Chest X-ray and fluoroscopy can also reveal mitral ring calcification.

Main Results:

  • Systolic murmurs of mitral origin warrant consideration of MAC.
  • Management focuses on antibiotic prophylaxis against infective endocarditis and monitoring for congestive heart failure.

Conclusions:

  • Early diagnosis through echocardiography is crucial.
  • Comprehensive management involves preventive measures and pharmacological treatment for heart failure, including vasodilators in severe cases.

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