Are You Missing Critical Clues?
Calcific MAC: Key Insights
What is MAC?
Calcium buildup on cardiovascular structures is a chronic process associated with aging, long term kidney disease, and previous exposure to radiation therapy. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a degenerative disease that begins at the fibrosa of the mitral valve annulus and can restrict the valve’s mobility and coaptation, resulting in mitral stenosis or mitral regurgitation. This echocardiographic finding serves as a barometer for cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, and in some cases death.
5 Most Common Causes of Mitral Stenosis
Rheumatic: the most common origin of mitral stenosis, a result of inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever, causing scarring of the mitral valve and narrowing.
Calcific: significant mitral annular calcification, ultimately restricts valve opening and is complex to treat surgically, often connected to aortic calcification.
Radiation-induced: some forms of cancer require radiation to the chest area that can sometimes lead to thickening of the mitral valve apparatus, typically occurs 20-30 years after radiation treatment.
Congenital: patients are born with a narrowed mitral valve (parachute, double orifice, cor triatriatum, Shone’s complex.)
Other: autoimmune disorders, valve replacements or repairs, carcinoid heart disease, atrial myxomas, mitral vegetations, ball thrombi, and other miscellaneous conditions can cause mitral stenosis as well.
Gain a deeper understanding of how to identify, assess, and manage Calcific Mitral Stenosis to improve patient outcomes—continue reading for expert insights.