Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus Associated with Severe Mitral Regurgitation: A Multimodality Diagnostic Approach

Abstract

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) is a rare variant of mitral annular calcification, and a multimodality approach is advised to ensure an accurate diagnosis. We report a case of a patient with CCMA, associated with severe mitral regurgitation. An 82-year-old woman was admitted due to worsening heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a fixed, hyperechogenic mass, accompanied by restriction of the posterior mitral leaflet, and subsequent severe mitral regurgitation. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a restricted motion of the posterior mitral leaflet, because of a large, echogenic mass (15 mm × 11 mm), attached to the mitral annulus, vacuolated with a central echolucent aspect, lacking acoustic shadowing. Contrast-enhanced cardiac computed tomography identified a distinct oval mass (18 mm × 11 mm × 19 mm) presenting a central hypodense content and peripheral calcification, strongly suggestive of CCMA. Considering the patient’s profile, surgical valvular replacement was considered unsuitable. Therefore, a transcatheter edge-to-edge repair was performed, resulting in mild residual regurgitation.