Management of valve dysfunction in patients with mitral annular calcification

Learning objectives Know typical comorbidities that associate with mitral annular calcification (MAC). Understand optimal diagnostic pathways in the preprocedural evaluation of patients with MAC and mitral valvular dysfunction. Know typical advantages, pitfalls and complications of surgical and transcatheter therapeutic strategies for patients with MAC and mitral valvular dysfunction. Understand possible treatment allocation algorithms for patients with MAC and mitral valvular dysfunction. Introduction Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a degenerative process of the fibrous base of the mitral valve. Most patients with MAC present with mild or moderate severity of the calcification pattern, whereas severe MAC is rather rare.1 It increases the risk for mitral valve dysfunction (regurgitation and/or stenosis).2 Predisposing factors for MAC include advanced age, female gender or chronic kidney disease (especially if dialysis dependent), and it is frequently associated with atrial fibrillation, stroke, infective endocarditis...
Source: Heart - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Education in Heart Source Type: research