Serial multimodality imaging over 8 years demonstrated the progression of massive mitral annular calcification in a 76-year-old woman with exertional dyspnea.
Case Report (n=1)
Longitudinal and multimodality imaging, particularly cardiac computed tomography, is highly valuable for definitively characterizing massive mitral annular calcification.
Mitral annular calcification is a chronic and progressive process involving the fibrous support of the mitral valve and is commonly encountered as an incidental finding in elderly patients. In rare cases, it may evolve into a massive form with relevant diagnostic and clinical implications. We report the case of a 76-year-old woman with a history of transient ischemic attacks and prior syncopal episodes who presented with progressive exertional dyspnea. Serial imaging over 8 years demonstrated progressive calcification of the mitral annulus, initially visible as a subtle curvilinear density on chest radiography and later becoming a prominent annular structure. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed preserved left ventricular systolic function, mild mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, and moderate-to-severe aortic regurgitation, with extensive calcification of both the mitral and aortic valve apparatus. Cardiac computed tomography provided definitive characterization, demonstrating massive, confluent, high-attenuation calcification of the mitral annulus with bulky crescentic morphology and mild extension toward the left ventricular inflow tract, without an associated soft-tissue component. This case highlights the value of longitudinal and multimodality imaging in recognizing massive mitral annular calcification and underscores its association with systemic cardiovascular risk factors.
Montatore et al. (Thu,) conducted a case report in Massive mitral annular calcification (n=1). Multimodality and longitudinal imaging was evaluated. Serial multimodality imaging over 8 years demonstrated the progression of massive mitral annular calcification in a 76-year-old woman with exertional dyspnea.