Noncoronary Cardiac Calcifications: Direct and Indirect Clinical Implications

Noncoronary cardiac calcifications often are seen on imaging, particularly on CT. These calcifications are characterized by their location in the heart. Intracavitary calcifications are found in chronic thrombus, myxoma, or papillary muscles, and these calcifications are distinguished by their typical location. Myocardial calcifications are commonly a sequela from prior myocardial infarction, but diffuse involvement may be due to metastatic calcification. Pericardial calcifications are commonly incidental; however, inspection of the heart for signs of constrictive pericarditis is essential. Valvular calcifications usually involve the aortic valve or the mitral annulus. Significant aortic valvular calcifications are associated commonly with aortic stenosis, whereas mitral annular calcifications are strongly associated with atrial fibrillation, and both of these types of calcifications are associated with higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events.
Source: Contemporary Diagnostic Radiology - Category: Radiology Tags: Article Source Type: research