Purposeful use of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of caseous mitral annular calcification: a case series report

Background Caseous mitral annular calcification (CMAC) is a rare liquefactive variant of mitral annular calcification (MAC) and superficially mimics a cardiac vegetation or abscess. CMAC is viewed as a benign condition of MAC, while MAC has clinical implications for patients’ lives. Correctly diagnosing CMAC is essential in order to avoid unnecessary interventions, cardiac surgery or even psychological suffering for the patient. Case presentation We report on 6 patients with suspected intra-cardiac masses of the mitral annulus that were referred to our institution for further clarification. A definitive diagnosis of CMAC was achieved by combining echocardiography (Echo), cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cardiac computed tomography (CT) for these patients. Echo assessed the mass itself and possible interactions with the mitral valve. MRI was useful in differentiating the tissue from other benign or malign neoplasms. CT revealed the typical structure of CMAC with a “soft” liquefied centre and an outer capsule with calcification. Conclusion CMAC is a rare condition, and most clinicians and even radiologists are not familiar with it. CMAC can be mistaken for an intra-cardiac tumour, thombus, vegetation, or abscess. Non-invasive multimodality imaging (i.e. Echo, MRI, and CT) helps to establish a definitive diagnosis of CMAC and avoid unnecessary interventions especially in uncertain cases.

Recurrent ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Case Report of A Rare Complication of Caseous Mitral Annular Calcification

Background Caseous mitral annular calcification is an under-diagnosed division of calcific mitral valve disease that has recently been reported to have increased propensity for embolic disease. Early recognition of this entity as a cause of embolic disease can lead to prevention of occlusive vascular disease and long-standing complications. Case Summary We present the case of a patient with end-stage renal disease who presented for evaluation of chest pain and was found to have ST-segment myocardial infarction. Despite thrombectomy and stenting, he had multiple recurrent events, and imaging evaluation demonstrated caseous mitral annular calcification with mobile components. He was taken for surgical replacement of the mitral valve, with pathology confirming diagnosis. Discussion Caseous mitral annular calcification may represent an increased risk of embolic disease. Better understanding of this pathology and it’s propensity for embolic disease will be important to best determine treatment plans and timing of operative intervention.

Endocarditis following an unsuccessful attempt to remove a gastric GI stromal tumor by laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) are the most common subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment of lesions greater than 2 cm in diameter is by laparoscopic wedge resection. We report a 77-year-old man who was diagnosed with a 2.3 cm diameter gastric GIST. He had a thickened mitral valve, severe mitral annular calcification, mild mitral regurgitation and moderate aortic stenosis. One week after undergoing an unsuccessful attempt at Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery (LECS), he was admitted with a fever of 40.2o C. Blood cultures grew Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography revealed moderate mitral regurgitation and an 8 X 5 mm vegetation on the mitral valve and posterior annulus. This is the first report of endocarditis following LECS. Physicians need to be aware of this possible complication. Keywords: endocarditis; GI stromal tumor; endocarditis; endoscopic tumor.