Presentation
History of mitral valve regurgitation status post mechanical valve replacement.
Patient Data
Extensive and dense calcifications in the region of the mitral valve and left ventricle. A mitral valve prosthesis is in the appropriate position.
No discrete focal pneumonia, effusion, or pneumothorax.
Mild bilateral bronchial wall thickening is likely a chronic finding.
The heart appears at upper limits normal without pulmonary vascular congestion.
Intact and broken sternotomy sutures are seen in place. The upper abdomen appears normal.
Case Discussion
The etiology of mitral valve and annular calcification is multifactorial with the most common contribution from chronic disease conditions associated with coronary artery disease. Mitral annular calcifications are commonly associated with mitral valve regurgitation and mostly remain asymptomatic. However, if associated with mitral valvular dysfunction like in this case the condition might require subsequent mitral valve replacement.
This case was submitted with supervision and input from:
Soni C. Chawla, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Professor,
Department of Radiological Sciences,
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Attending Radiologist,
Olive View - UCLA Medical Center.