A Waving Horn on the Big Mitral Annulus Calcification: Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus with Abscess Formation

Publication date: June 2014 Source:Journal of Medical Ultrasound, Volume 22, Issue 2 Author(s): Li-Tan Yang , Hsuan-Yin Wu , Chwan-Yau Luo , I-Chuang Liao , Wei-Chuan Tsai Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare variant of mitral annular calcification. It comprises a combination of calcium, fatty acids, and cholesterol, and is characterized by heterogeneity in echocardiographic images, with peripheral areas of calcification surrounding a central area of echolucency, resembling a periannular mass. Here, we describe a case of CCMA combined with a mitral annulus abscess, manifesting as a waving, horn-like structure. Although the image characteristics of the posterior mitral annulus suggested CCMA, additional findings warranted further work-up and studies.
Source: Journal of Medical Ultrasound - Category: Radiology Source Type: research