Unusual echocardiographic appearances attributable to submitral calcification simulating left ventricular "masses"

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Abnormal echoes in the left ventricle can mimic cardiac masses.
• Anterior submitral calcification is a potential cause of such echoes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe echocardiographic features of anterior submitral calcification.
• To differentiate submitral calcification from neoplastic or thrombotic ventricular masses.

Main Methods:

• Utilized M-mode and cross-sectional echocardiography in five patients.
• Correlated echocardiographic findings with autopsy results in two cases.

Main Results:

• Identified abnormal large echoes attributed to anterior submitral calcification.
• Autopsy confirmed nonrheumatic anterior submitral calcification.
• Echocardiographic features differentiating calcification from masses include reduced diastolic mobility, increased echo density, and continuity with mitral leaflet/aortic root.

Conclusions:

• Echocardiography is effective in visualizing and characterizing anterior submitral calcification.
• Specific echocardiographic findings help differentiate submitral calcification from cardiac tumors or thrombi.
• Accurate differentiation is crucial for appropriate patient management.