Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Echocardiographic Approaches and Protocols for Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Valvular Heart Disease in Mice
12:12

Echocardiographic Approaches and Protocols for Comprehensive Phenotypic Characterization of Valvular Heart Disease in Mice

Published on: February 14, 2017

Murmurs associated with mitral annular calcification and aortic sclerosis

A J Miller1, I M Grais, D L Abrams

  • 1Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School and Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, Ill. 60611,USA.

Gerontology
|February 6, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A specific heart sound pattern can accurately diagnose mitral annular calcification and aortic sclerosis in elderly patients. This auscultatory constellation offers a reliable, non-invasive diagnostic tool for these common cardiac conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Diagnostic Medicine
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Echocardiography revealed specific auscultatory findings in patients with mitral annular calcification.
  • Mitral annular calcification and aortic sclerosis frequently coexist in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To validate a specific auscultatory constellation for diagnosing concurrent mitral annular calcification and aortic sclerosis.
  • To determine the diagnostic certainty of this auscultatory pattern in elderly individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Two patient groups were studied: one with echocardiographically confirmed mitral annular calcification, and another with the specific auscultatory findings.
  • The auscultatory constellation included a harsh ejection systolic murmur, specific radiation patterns, and normal S2 intensity without ejection clicks.

Main Results:

  • The investigated auscultatory constellation demonstrated substantial accuracy in diagnosing the combined presence of mitral annular calcification and aortic sclerosis.
  • The findings support the diagnostic utility of this specific set of heart sounds.

Conclusions:

  • The study suggests that identifying this particular auscultatory configuration can lead to a reasonably high degree of diagnostic certainty for mitral annular calcification and aortic sclerosis in the elderly.
  • This non-invasive method holds promise for improving the diagnosis of these cardiac conditions.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery04:48

Noninvasive Determination of Vortex Formation Time Using Transesophageal Echocardiography During Cardiac Surgery

Published on: November 28, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation01:25

Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings II: Auscultation

Auscultation, an essential part of a heart examination, is done using a stethoscope. It provides crucial information about heart function and possible heart problems. Due to heart problems, abnormal sounds can be heard during systole or diastole. These sounds include S3 and S4 gallops, opening snaps, systolic clicks, and murmurs.
Abnormal Heart Sounds
Gallops:
Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management01:22

Mitral Valve Prolapse II: Assessment and Management

IntroductionA range of clinical features characterizes Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), but it is important to note that many individuals with MVP are asymptomatic and may remain so throughout their lives. For those who do exhibit symptoms, the following are the key clinical features:Palpitations: This is a common symptom where individuals feel an irregular or rapid heartbeat. Palpitations in MVP are often due to arrhythmias such as premature ventricular contractions or supraventricular tachycardia.
Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral regurgitation (MR) is a valvular heart disorder in which the mitral valve fails to close tightly, allowing blood to leak backward into the heart. Understanding the clinical manifestations, assessment, diagnostic findings, and medical management of MR is crucial to effectively managing affected patients.Clinical Manifestations of Mitral RegurgitationMitral regurgitation can be acute or chronic, each presenting differently and requiring different approaches:1. Acute Mitral...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests01:23

Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests

Mitral stenosis is a heart condition in which the mitral valve, which allows blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, becomes narrowed or stenotic. This narrowing hinders blood flow and leads to clinical symptoms requiring specific medical evaluations and management strategies. The following overview outlines the clinical symptoms, assessments, diagnostic findings, prevention methods, and treatments for mitral stenosis.Clinical ManifestationsDyspnea (shortness of breath): This...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...