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Published on: February 20, 2017
Mitral annular calcification: a cause of systolic murmur in the elderly
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.
Abstract:
Mitral annular calcification is predominantly a disease of females, typically above 65 years of age. The diagnosis should be considered in patients with a systolic murmur which is mitral in origin. This murmur is caused by mitral regurgitation due to loss of the sphincter action of the mitral annulus. Diagnosis is made by one- or two-dimensional echocardiography. Calcification in the mitral ring may be seen on chest x-ray films or fluoroscopy. Management includes antibiotic prophylaxis to avoid infective endocarditis and observation for the development of congestive heart failure. Conventional management with digitalis and diuretics is supplemented with use of vasodilators in severe cases.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Mitral Valve Prolapse I: Introduction
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

