FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MITRAL ANNULAR CALCIFICATION FOR FREQUENCY, SEVERITY AND CLINICAL INDICATION IN CARDIAC ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Abstract

Introduction: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common finding in cardiac echocardiography, particularly in elderly patients. It is characterized by the deposition of calcium within the fibrous annulus surrounding the mitral valve. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the functional characteristics of mitral annular calcification for frequency, severity and clinical indication in cardiac echocardiography. Material and methods: This retrospective study was conducted at Mayo hospital, Lahore. The study could include patients with varying degrees of MAC severity, ranging from mild to severe. The echocardiographic data could be analyzed to assess the impact of MAC on mitral valve function, left ventricular function, and left atrial size. Parameters such as mitral valve area, mitral valve regurgitation, left ventricular ejection fraction, and left atrial volume could be measured and compared between patients with MAC and those without MAC. Results: 28% of patients had mitral annular calcification (MAC), with a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and mitral stenosis in those with MAC. Statistically significant associations were observed between MAC and CAD (P = 0.02) as well as between MAC and mitral stenosis (P = 0.04). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age, hypertension, and the presence of MAC significantly increased the odds of the outcome, with age and hypertension being especially influential. Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of this study suggest that mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a frequent finding in patients undergoing echocardiography and is significantly associated with the presence of significant coronary artery disease (CAD).