Relation of mitral annular calcium and coronary calcium (from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis [MESA])

Prognostic Value of Mitral Annular Calcification in Liver Transplant Patients: Implication in Posttransplant Outcomes

BACKGROUND

With the rise of metabolic diseases and aging in liver transplant (LT) candidates, mitral annular calcification (MAC) is more recognizable. Despite cardiovascular risk becoming a leading cause of mortality in LT recipients, the influence of MAC remains unexamined. This study investigates the prevalence, related factors, and impact of MAC on LT outcomes.

METHODS

We explored 4148 consecutive LT patients who underwent routine pretransplant echocardiography from 2008 to 2019. Multivariate logistic analysis and the tree-based Shapley additive explanation scores in machine learning were used to evaluate the significant and important related factors. The primary outcome was 30-d major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and the secondary outcome was a median of 5-y cumulative all-cause mortality.

RESULTS

MAC was found in 123 (3.0%) patients. Significant and important related factors included age, alcoholic liver disease, chronic kidney disease, hyperuricemia, hypertension, and coronary artery disease. The MACE rate was higher in patients with MAC compared with those without MAC at 30 d ( P  < 0.001, adjusted hazard ratio 1.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.57). Patients with MAC had poorer cumulative overall survival probability compared with those without MAC ( P  = 0.0016; adjusted hazard ratio 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-2.15). Specifically, women with MAC had a poorer survival probability compared with men without MAC (65.0% versus 80.7%, P  < 0.001) >10 y post-LT.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of MAC before LT was linked to increased 30-d MACE and lower long-term survival rates, especially in women. Identification and management of MAC and potential risk factors are crucial for improving post-LT survival.

Epicardial and intra-thoracic adipose tissue and cardiovascular calcifications in type 1 diabetes (T1D) in epidemiology of diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC): A pilot study

Objective

Coronary artery, aortic valve, and descending aorta calcification (CAC, AVC, DAC) are manifestations of atherosclerosis, and cardiac epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) indicates heart adiposity. This study explored the association between cardiac adipose tissue and cardiovascular calcification in participants with long-standing T1D.

Methods

EAT and intra-thoracic adipose tissue (IAT) were measured in 100 T1D subjects with cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans in the EDIC study. Volume analysis software was used to measure fat volumes. Spearman correlations were calculated between CAC, AVC, DAC with EAT, and IAT. Associations were evaluated using multiple linear and logistic regression models.

Results

Participants ranged in age from 32 to 57. Mean EAT, and IAT were 38.5 and 50.8 mm3, respectively, and the prevalence of CAC, AVC, and DAC was 43.6 %, 4.7 %, and 26.8 %, respectively. CAC was positively correlated with age (p-value = 0.0001) and EAT (p-value = 0.0149) but not with AVC and DAC; IAT was not associated with calcified lesions. In models adjusted for age and sex, higher levels of EAT and IAT were associated with higher CAC (p-value < 0.0001 for both) and higher AVC (p-values of 0.0111 and 0.0053, respectively), but not with DAC. The associations with CAC remained significant (p-value < 0.0001) after further adjustment for smoking, systolic blood pressure, BMI, and LDL, while the associations with AVC did not remain significant.

Conclusion

In participants with T1D, higher EAT and IAT levels are correlated with higher CAC scores. EAT and IAT were not independently correlated with DAC or AVC.

Mitral annular calcification as a predictor of stroke in the multiethnic study of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. This study provides recent data on the association between cardiac computed tomography (CT) derived MAC and 15 years of stroke risk in a racially diverse cohort.

METHODS

All multiethnic studies of atherosclerosis participants ( n  = 6814) who completed a cardiac CT at baseline were included in this analysis. MAC score was calculated from cardiac CT using the Agatston and volume score methods. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to compute hazard ratios for the association between MAC and stroke after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, inflammatory markers, coronary artery calcium score, atrial fibrillation, and left atrial size.

RESULTS

Overall, 9% of participants (644/6814) had MAC at baseline. Over a surveillance period of 15 years, 304 strokes occurred, and 79% were ischemic strokes. After adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, SBP, diabetes, smoking, fibrinogen, IL-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and coronary artery calcium score, baseline MAC was associated with increased risk for all strokes [hazard ratio 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22-2.30: P  = 0.0013]. When atrial fibrillation/flutter and left atrial size were included in the final multivariable model, MAC remained a predictor of all strokes (hazard ratio 1.93; 95% CI 1.22-3.05: P  < 0.0051) and ischemic stroke (hazard ratio 2.03; 95% CI 1.24-3.31: P  < 0.0046).

CONCLUSION

MAC is an independent predictor of long-term stroke risk in a racially diverse population beyond conventional cardiovascular risk factors and atrial fibrillation.

Factors predicting the occurrence of aortic valve calcification in patients with coronary artery calcification in China

OBJECTIVES

In patients with coronary artery calcification (CAC), a predictor of adverse cardiovascular events, coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) also shows valvular calcification. In this study, we evaluated common clinical indicators in CAC patients with aortic (AoVC) and mitral valve (MVC) calcification.

METHODS

CAC and valvular calcification were quantified using the Agatston score in 636 hospitalised patients with CAC who underwent CCTA.

RESULTS

Valvular calcification was found in 30.5% of patients, with 25.2% (160 patients) showing AoVC. Age was an independent predictor of AoVC in both men (odds ratio (OR), 1.086; 95% confidence interval (CI), [1.054-1.119]; p < 0.001) and women (OR, 1.109; CI, [1.066-1.154]; p < 0.001). In men, we also found that a history of cerebral infarction was an independent predictor of AoVC (OR, 2.402; CI, [1.177-4.902]; p < 0.05). The independent predictors of AoVC in the 60- to 69-years age group were BMI (OR, 1.181; CI, [1.061-1.316]; p < 0.01) and history of cerebral infarction (OR, 3.187; CI, [1.283-7.919]; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Age is a key independent predictor of AoVC in CAC patients. History of cerebrovascular disease was also an independent predictor of AoVC, but only in men and patients aged 60-69 years. Our results indicate that a history of cerebral infarction may be used as a risk factor when identifying AoVC in patients with CAC.

Mitral valve stenosis in the current era: a changing landscape

Mitral stenosis results from haemodynamic obstruction at the mitral valve level because of structural abnormalities of the valve apparatus, leading to increased resistance to the transmitral flow. Although rheumatic fever remains the predominant cause of mitral stenosis worldwide, other causes are increasingly relevant in the developed countries with degenerative mitral stenosis (DMS) because of mitral annulus calcification (MAC) becoming growingly prevalent in industrialized countries with higher life expectancy. Rheumatic mitral stenosis (RMS) and DMS display dramatic differences in pathophysiology, prognosis, and disease progression. Furthermore, to date, robust evidence regarding the management of DMS because of MAC is lacking. Nevertheless, new diagnostic techniques and catheter-based interventions are changing this landscape and paving the way to a significant reduction in DMS-related morbidity and mortality. Here we briefly review the current knowledge on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of DMS and RMS, underscoring the current diagnostic and therapeutic pathways, as well as persisting uncertainties and perspectives.

Associations of endogenous sex hormone levels with the prevalence and progression of valvular and thoracic aortic calcification in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Sex hormones (SH) may contribute to sex differences in cardiovascular disease (CVD). High free testosterone (T) and low sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) have been associated with progression of coronary artery calcification in women. We now examined the association of SH with extra-coronary calcification (ECC) prevalence and progression among MESA participants.

METHODS

We studied 2,737 postmenopausal women and 3,130 men free of clinical CVD with baseline SH levels. ECC measurements [ascending and descending thoracic aortic calcification (ATAC, DTAC), mitral annular calcification (MAC), aortic valve calcification (AVC)] were obtained by computed tomography at baseline and after 2.4 ± 0.9 years. We used multivariable Poisson regression to evaluate associations with ECC prevalence and incidence (Agatston scores >0) and linear mixed effects models for ECC progression, per 1-SD increment in log(SH) in women and men separately.

RESULTS

The mean age was 65 ± 9 and 62 ± 10 years for women and men, respectively. In women, greater free T and lower SHBG were associated with MAC incidence in a demographic-adjusted model only. In men, lower free T was associated with MAC prevalence, DTAC incidence and progression, while greater SHBG was associated with MAC prevalence and DTAC progression after further adjusting for CVD risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this diverse cohort free of CVD, we found some associations of SH with ECC measures. In particular, free T was inversely associated with prevalent MAC and DTAC progression in men independent of CVD risk factors. SH may influence vascular calcification, but further work is needed to understand clinical implications of these findings.

Associations of adipokine levels with the prevalence and extent of valvular and thoracic aortic calcification: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Extra-coronary calcification (ECC) is a marker of atherosclerosis and independently associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Adipokines may mediate the effect of obesity on atherosclerosis. However, the relationship of adipokines with ECC is not well-established. We examined the associations of leptin, resistin and adiponectin with ECC in a diverse community-based cohort.

METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 1897 adults without clinical CVD in the MESA cohort. Serum adipokine levels and non-contrast cardiac CT scans were obtained at Exam 2 or 3 (randomly assigned). ECC was quantified by Agatston score and included calcification of the mitral annulus (MAC), aortic valve (AVC), ascending thoracic aorta (ATAC) and descending thoracic aorta (DTAC). We used multivariable regression to evaluate the associations between leptin, resistin and adiponectin [per 1 SD ln(adipokine] with ECC prevalence (score >0) and extent [ln(score+1)].

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 65 ± 10 years; 49% women. After adjusting for demographic factors, adiponectin was inversely associated with AVC prevalence and extent; leptin positively associated with MAC prevalence and extent; and resistin positively associated with ATAC prevalence and extent and DTAC extent. After adjustment for BMI and other CVD risk factors, adiponectin remained inversely associated with AVC prevalence, and resistin remained associated with greater ATAC prevalence and extent. Leptin was not associated with measures of ECC after full adjustment. No adipokine was associated with MAC after full adjustment.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified significant associations between select adipokines and specific markers of ECC. Adipokines may play a role in the development of systemic atherosclerosis.

Current methods to assess mitral annular calcification and its risk factors

INTRODUCTION

Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is a chronic, non-inflammatory, degenerative mechanism of the fibrous base of the mitral valve. While MAC was originally thought to be an age-related degenerative process, there is evidence that other mechanisms, such as atherosclerosis and abnormal calcium phosphorus metabolism, also contribute to the development of MAC.

AREAS COVERED

This paper summarizes, existing perception of clinically valid definition of MAC and the pathophysiological processes that lead to the development of MAC and the diagnostic implications of this disease entity.

EXPERT OPINION

Minimal evidence exists on the natural history and progression of MAC. Characterization of MAC progression and identification of predisposing risk factors can help to validate hypotheses. MAC is most commonly asymptomatic and incidental finding. Echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for identification and characterization of MAC and associated mitral valve (MV) disease. For patients with an indication for MV surgery, computed tomography (CT) is a complementary imaging modality for MAC. MAC is generally recognized by its characteristic density, location, and shape on echocardiography and CT, unusual variants are sometimes confused with other lesions.

Correlation between echocardiographic calcium score and coronary artery lesion severity on invasive coronary angiography

OBJECTIVES

The direct correlation between Echocardiographic non-coronary calcium score (ECS) and lesion severity on invasive coronary angiography (ICA) is not reported. The aim of the present study was to find the correlation between ECS and Gensini score.

METHODS

One hundred seventy patients aged ≥18 years posted for clinically indicated ICA were included. All the patients underwent standard transthoracic echocardiography. ECS and Gensisni scores were calculated. The primary outcome measure was to find a correlation of ECS with Gensini score, whereas the secondary outcome measure was to correlate ECS with traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease. The Chi-square/Fisher exact test was used to compare qualitative variables. Spearman's correlation analysis was used for assessing the correlation between ECS score and the Gensini score. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to detect the cut-off value of the ECS score.

RESULTS

The correlation of total ECS with Gensini score was positive and statistically significant (r = 0.550, p-value < 0.0001). As ECS increased, the Gensini score increased. ECS value of >1 detected CAD with 56.5% sensitivity, 79.5% specificity. Eight-nine percent of patients who had ECS >1, had Gensini score ≥18, whereas 44.3% of patients who had ECS ≤1, had Gensini score ≥18. The patients with ECS >1 had significantly higher Gensini scores than the patients with ECS ≤1.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation of total ECS with Gensini score was positive and statistically significant.

Cardiovascular Calcification as a Marker of Increased Cardiovascular Risk and a Surrogate for Subclinical Atherosclerosis: Role of Echocardiography

The risk prediction of future cardiovascular events is mainly based on conventional risk factor assessment by validated algorithms, such as the Framingham Risk Score, the Pooled Cohort Equations and the European SCORE Risk Charts. The identification of subclinical atherosclerosis has emerged as a promising tool to refine the individual cardiovascular risk identified by these models, to prognostic stratify asymptomatic individuals and to implement preventive strategies. Several imaging modalities have been proposed for the identification of subclinical organ damage, the main ones being coronary artery calcification scanning by cardiac computed tomography and the two-dimensional ultrasound evaluation of carotid arteries. In this context, echocardiography offers an assessment of cardiac calcifications at different sites, such as the mitral apparatus (including annulus, leaflets and papillary muscles), aortic valve and ascending aorta, findings that are associated with the clinical manifestation of atherosclerotic disease and are predictive of future cardiovascular events. The aim of this paper is to summarize the available evidence on clinical implications of cardiac calcification, review studies that propose semiquantitative ultrasound assessments of cardiac calcifications and evaluate the potential of ultrasound calcium scores for risk stratification and prevention of clinical events.

Surgical and Transcatheter Mitral Valve Replacement in Mitral Annular Calcification: A Systematic Review

Mitral annular calcification with mitral valve disease is a challenging problem that could necessitate surgical mitral valve replacement (SMVR). Transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) is emerging as a feasible alternative in high-risk patients with appropriate anatomy. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to December 25, 2019 for studies discussing SMVR or TMVR in patients with mitral annular calcification; 27 of 1539 articles were selected for final review. TMVR was used in 15 studies. Relevant data were available on 82 patients who underwent hybrid transatrial TMVR, and 354 patients who underwent transapical or transseptal TMVR. Outcomes on SMVR were generally reported as small case series (447 patients from 11 studies); however, 1 large study recently reported outcomes in 9551 patients. Patients who underwent TMVR had a shorter median follow-up of 9 to 12 months (range, in-hospital‒19 months) compared with patients with SMVR (54 months; range, in-hospital‒120 months). Overall, those undergoing TMVR were older and had higher Society of Thoracic Surgeons risk scores. SMVR showed a wide range of early (0%-27%; median 6.3%) and long-term mortality (0%-65%; median at 1 year, 15.8%; 5 years, 38.8%, 10 years, 62.4%). The median in-hospital, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates were 16.7%, 22.7%, and 43%, respectively, for transseptal/transapical TMVR, and 9.5%, 20.0%, and 40%, respectively, for transatrial TMVR. Mitral annular calcification is a complex disease and TMVR, with a versatile option of transatrial approach in patients with challenging anatomy, offers a promising alternative to SMVR in high-risk patients. However, further studies are needed to improve technology, patient selection, operative expertise, and long-term outcomes.

Lipoprotein (a) and risk for calcification of the coronary arteries, mitral valve, and thoracic aorta: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a risk factor for coronary heart disease and calcific aortic valve disease. We determined the relationships of Lp(a) with prevalence and progression of coronary artery calcification (CAC), mitral annular calcification (MAC), and thoracic aortic calcification (TAC) in a multi-ethnic cohort of middle to older-aged adults.

METHODS

This analysis included 6705 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants. Lp(a) was measured with a turbidimetric immunoassay. CAC, MAC, and TAC were assessed by cardiac computed tomography both at baseline and once during follow-up.

RESULTS

In adjusted relative risk regression cross-sectional analysis, a Lp(a) level ≥50 ​mg/dL was associated with a 22% higher prevalence of MAC (relative risk (RR) ​= ​1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00, 1.49). No significant associations were observed for prevalent CAC or TAC. In adjusted prospective analyses, participants with Lp(a) ≥50 ​mg/dL were at significantly higher risk for rapid CAC progression (median follow-up ​= ​8.9 years), defined as ≥100 units/year, compared to those with lower Lp(a) levels (RR ​= ​1.67, 95% CI ​= ​1.23, 2.27). The association between higher Lp(a) levels and incident CHD was no longer significant after adjusting for CAC progression. No significant associations were observed for MAC or TAC progression (median follow-up ​= ​2.6 years).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher Lp(a) levels are associated with more rapid CAC progression. Additional study is needed to better understand how this relationship can further improve the ability of Lp(a) to enhance cardiovascular disease risk prediction.

Relationship of angiotensin converting enzyme (I/D) polymorphism (rs4646994) and coronary heart disease among a male Iraqi population with type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

Insertion deletion (I/D) polymorphism (rs4646994) in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) has a substantial effect on coronary heart disease (CHD). The amplification of an Alu repetitive element in an intron of the ACE has shown three potential genotypes of I/I and D/D as homozygous, and I/D as heterozygous.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the association between the ACE gene polymorphism and CHD among male Iraqi patients with and without type2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

METHODS

A case-control study of total 217 male subjects participated in this study, divided into three groups; Group 1 including 86 CHD patients with T2DM, group 2 including 78 CHD patients without T2DM, and group 3 including 53 age and sex-matched healthy individuals (as a control group). Genotyping of ACE (I/D) gene was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.

RESULTS

The II allele was significantly more frequent in CHD patients without T2DM compared to the control population, but not from those patients with T2DM (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, the ID allele was significantly more frequent in each of CHD with T2DM and control populations compared to the CHD without T2DM. The DD allele was significantly more frequent in CHD patients with T2DM compared to each of CHD patients without T2DM and control populations (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the D/D and I/D genotypes are implicated as risk factors for development of CHD with T2DM, but not CHD without T2DM among the male Iraqi population. However, larger sample sizes are needed to monitor the CHD patients and to validate this study.

A study on the prevalence, distribution and related factors of heart valve calcification using coronary CT angiography

Background

The concept of active atherosclerotic disease has been accepted for heart valve calcification (HVC). We investigated prevalence, distribution and related factors of HVC in patients who had undergone coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

Methods

Subjects were consecutive 200 patients who underwent CCTA. The prevalence and the distribution of HVC using ECG gated non-contrast CT were investigated. Logistic regression analysis and simple regression analysis for factors associated with presence of the calcification and quantitative calcification in the aortic and mitral valve were conducted.

Results

HVC was detected in 48.0%. Aortic valve calcification (AVC) was found in 92 cases, the most, followed by mitral valve calcification (MVC) in 25 cases, pulmonary valve in 3 cases, and tricuspid valve in 1 case. Although the left coronary cusp showed the most in 65.2%, no statistic significant difference for Agatston score was detected among each cusp in AVC. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR:1.211, 95%C.I.:1.0716-1.1728, p < 0.0001) and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) grade (grade2 OR:7.3393, 95%C.I.:1.7699-30.4349, p = 0.0060, grade3 OR:7.2214, 95%C.I.:1.4376-36.2762, p = 0.0164) were significant factors associated with presence of AVC. The significant factors associated with quantitative AVC were age (p = 0.0043), dyslipidemia (p = 0.0117), and statin use (p = 0.0221). Only age (OR:1.1589, 95%C.I.:1.0726-1.2520, p = 0.0002) was significant factor related to presence of MVC. No significant related factor was found in quantitative MVC.

Conclusions

There was an association between presence of AVC and CACS, but not a significant association with presence of MVC. Neither quantitative AVC nor MVC had a significant association with CACS or coronary artery disease.

Predicting the presence of coronary artery disease by transesophageal echocardiography

Background

The accuracy of ultrasound signs as predictors for the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) has been evaluated extensively in the 1990s and 2000s. Imaging quality has improved tremendously over the last decades.

Hypothesis

High-end ultrasound systems allow for accurate prediction of the presence or absence of CAD.

Methods

All patients who underwent a transesophageal echocardiography examination (TEE) between 2007 and 2016 and who had coronary angiography within 24 months before or after the TEE were retrospectively evaluated.

Results

A total of 242 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, 60% were male. Mean age was 70 years (SD ± 13 years). In multivariate regression analysis, plaque in the ascending aorta (odds ratio [OR] 2.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–5.32, p = 0.017), plaque in at least one of the thoracic aortic segments (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.02–4.22, p = 0.045), and the presence of mitral annular calcification (MAC, OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.01–3.36, p = 0.046) were predictors of significant CAD. The isolated finding of aortic stenosis (AS) (OR 2.53, 95%CI 1.23–5.21, p = 0.012) was a significant predictor for the absence of normal coronary arteries.

Conclusion

With an negative predictive value (NPV) of 80%, the absence of MAC, AS, and aortic plaque makes the presence of significant CAD unlikely. If at least mild AS is present, normal coronary arteries are improbable.

Utility of Cardiac CT for Preoperative Evaluation of Mitral Regurgitation: Morphological Evaluation of Mitral Valve and Prediction of Valve Replacement

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of cardiac computed tomography (CT) for the detection of mitral valve (MV) prolapse in mitral regurgitation (MR) with surgical findings as the standard reference, and to assess the predictability of MV replacement based on morphologic CT findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 156 patients who had undergone preoperative cardiac CT and subsequently received MV surgery due to severe MR were retrospectively enrolled. Non-repairable MV was defined when at least one of the following conditions was met: 1) anterior leaflet prolapse, 2) bi-leaflet prolapse, or 3) valve morphology (leaflet thickening, calcification, or mitral annular calcification [MAC]). Diagnostic performance of CT for the detection of the prolapsed segment was assessed with surgical findings as the standard reference. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the value of CT findings to predict actual valve replacement.

RESULTS

During surgery, MV prolapse was identified in 72.1%. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy for the detection of MV prolapse were 99.1%, 81.4%, and 94.2%, respectively, per patient. One-hundred eighteen patients (75.6%) underwent MV repair and the remaining 38 patients received MV replacement. Bi-leaflet prolapse and valve morphology were independent predictors of valve replacement after adjusting for clinical variables (adjusted odds ratio, [OR] 8.63 for bi-leaflet prolapse; OR, 4.14 for leaflet thickening; and OR, 5.37 for leaflet calcium score > 5.6; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cardiac CT can have high diagnostic performance for detecting the prolapsed segment of the MV and predictability of valve replacement before surgery. Bi-leaflet prolapse and valve morphology, such as leaflet thickening, or calcification or MAC, are the most important predictors of valve replacement.

Mitral Annular Calcification and Calcific Mitral Stenosis: Therapeutic Challenges and Considerations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) and associated calcific mitral stenosis (MS) are frequent in the aging population, although optimal management remains debated and outcomes are poor. This article summarizes challenges in the diagnosis and therapy of calcific MS, the indications for valve intervention, procedural concerns, and emerging treatment options.

RECENT FINDINGS

Surgical mitral valve replacement is the procedure of choice in symptomatic patients at acceptable surgical risk, with transcatheter mitral valve replacement (TMVR) being evaluated in clinical trials as an alternative for patients at prohibitive surgical risk. Significant challenges exist with the currently available technology and outcomes have been suboptimal. Optimizing the patient-selection process by using multimodality imaging tools has proven to be essential. MAC and calcific MS is an increasingly prevalent, challenging issue with poor outcomes. While surgical valve replacement can be performed in patients with acceptable surgical risk, TMVR can be considered for patients at higher risk. Clinical trials are underway to optimize outcomes. Dedicated device designs and techniques to minimize risk of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, paravalvular leakage, and device embolization are to be awaited.

The novel inflammatory marker GlycA and the prevalence and progression of valvular and thoracic aortic calcification: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

GlycA is a novel composite biomarker of systemic inflammation reflecting posttranslational glycosylation of acute phase reactants. GlycA has been associated with coronary artery calcium, cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality. Vascular calcifications outside of the coronary arteries are risk markers of CVD and mortality. Whether GlycA is linked to extra-coronary calcifications (ECC) is not well established.

METHODS

We studied 6462 MESA participants free of clinical CVD who had plasma GlycA measured at baseline. ECCs [calcification in aortic valve (AVC), mitral annulus (MAC), ascending and descending thoracic aorta (ATAC, DTAC)] were ascertained at baseline and follow-up visit (median 2.3-yrs later) by cardiac CT. Poisson regression models with robust variance estimation assessed associations of GlycA with prevalent and incident ECC. Linear mixed models assessed the cross-sectional and 2-year change in ECC. Models were adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors.

RESULTS

In cross-sectional analysis, GlycA (per SD increment) was positively associated with prevalent AVC, ATAC and DTAC with adjusted prevalence ratios (95% CI) of 1.08 (1.01-1.14), 1.18 (1.03-1.34) and 1.10 (1.06-1.14), respectively. There was also a significant association between GlycA and baseline extent of both ATAC and DTAC. Longitudinally, GlycA was positively associated with incident MAC and DTAC, with adjusted incidence ratios of 1.18 (1.03-1.37) and 1.17 (1.07-1.28), respectively. GlycA was also associated with 2-year change in MAC and DTAC extent.

CONCLUSIONS

In this diverse cohort free from clinical CVD, we found GlycA was positively associated with prevalent and incident ECC measures, in particular for progression of MAC and DTAC.

Prevalence and prognosis of ischaemic and non-ischaemic myocardial fibrosis in older adults

Aims

Non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies (NICM) can cause heart failure and death. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) detects myocardial scar/fibrosis associated with myocardial infarction (MI) and NICM with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and prognosis of ischaemic and non-ischaemic myocardial fibrosis in a community-based sample of older adults.

Methods and results

The ICELAND-MI cohort, a substudy of the Age, Gene/Environment Susceptibility Reykjavik (AGES-Reykjavik) study, provided a well-characterized population of 900 subjects after excluding subjects with pre-existing heart failure. Late gadolinium enhancement CMR divided subjects into four groups: MI (n = 211), major (n = 54) non-ischaemic fibrosis (well-established, classic patterns, associated with myocarditis, infiltrative cardiomyopathies, or pathological hypertrophy), minor (n = 238) non-ischaemic fibrosis (remaining localized patterns not meeting major criteria), and a no LGE (n = 397) reference group. The primary outcome was time to death or first heart failure hospitalization. During a median follow-up of 5.8 years, 192 composite events occurred (115 deaths and 77 hospitalizations for incident heart failure). After inverse probability weighting, major non-ischaemic fibrosis [hazard ratio (HR) 3.2, P < 0.001] remained independently associated with the primary endpoint, while MI (HR 1.4, P = 0.10) and minor non-ischaemic LGE (HR 1.2, P = 0.39) did not. Major non-ischaemic fibrosis was associated with a poorer outcome than MI (HR = 2.3, P = 0.001) in the adjusted analysis.

Conclusion

Major non-ischaemic patterns of myocardial fibrosis portended worse prognosis than no fibrosis/scar in an older community-based cohort. Traditional risk factors largely accounted for the effect of MI and minor non-ischaemic LGE.

A rare case of spontaneously dissolved calcification of the mitral annulus: Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus

Caseous calcification of the mitral annulus is a rare variant of mitral annular calcification (MAC). MAC is detected using conventional echocardiography and is prevalent in the elderly. However, limited information is currently available on the transformation of MAC. We herein report a case of a sudden liquified change in MAC, which was diagnosed using echocardiography and computed tomography. <Learning objective: The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of caseous calcification of the mitral annulus (CCMA) have not been elucidated in detail. This case report revealed the transition from mitral annular calcification to CCMA, indicating the marked transformation of calcification, which leads to spontaneous liquefaction.>.

Resting heart rate and the incidence and progression of valvular calcium: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Left-sided valvular calcification is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Resting heart rate (RHR) may influence valvular calcium progression through shear stress. Whether RHR, an established CVD risk factor, is associated with valvular calcium progression is unknown. We assessed whether RHR predicts incidence and progression of mitral annular calcium (MAC) and aortic valve calcium (AVC) in a community-based cohort free of CVD at baseline.

METHODS

RHR was obtained from baseline electrocardiograms of 5498 MESA participants. MAC and AVC were quantified using Agatston scoring from cardiac computed tomography scans obtained at baseline and at a second examination during follow-up. We examined associations of RHR with incident MAC/AVC and annual change in MAC/AVC scores, after adjusting for demographics, CVD risk factors, physical activity, and atrioventricular nodal blocker use.

RESULTS

At baseline, participants had mean age of 62 ± 10 years and mean RHR of 63 ± 10 bpm; 12.3% and 8.9% had prevalent AVC and MAC, respectively. Over a median of 2.3 years, 4.1% and 4.5% developed incident AVC and MAC, respectively. Each 10 bpm higher RHR was significantly associated with incident MAC [Risk Ratio 1.17 (95% CI 1.03-1.34)], but not incident AVC. However, RHR was associated with AVC progression [β = 1.62 (0.45-2.80) Agatston units/year for every 10 bpm increment], but not MAC progression.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher RHR was associated with MAC incidence and AVC progression, independent of traditional CVD risk factors. Future studies are needed to determine whether modification of RHR through lifestyle or pharmacologic interventions can reduce valvular calcium incidence or progression.

Leveraging the coronary calcium scan beyond the coronary calcium score

Non-contrast cardiac computed tomography in order to obtain the coronary artery calcium score has become an established diagnostic procedure in the clinical setting, and is commonly employed in clinical and population-based research. This state-of-the-art review paper highlights the potential gain in information that can be obtained from the non-contrast coronary calcium scans without any necessary modifications to the scan protocol. This includes markers of cardio-metabolic health, such as the amount of epicardial fat and liver fat, but also markers of general health including bone density and lung density. Finally, this paper addresses the importance of incidental findings and of radiation exposure accompanying imaging with non-contrast cardiac computed tomography. Despite the fact that coronary calcium scan protocols have been optimized for the visualization of coronary calcification in terms image quality and radiation exposure, it is important for radiologists, cardiologists and medical specialists in the field of preventive medicine to acknowledge that numerous additional markers of cardio-metabolic health and general health can be readily identified on a coronary calcium scan.

KEY POINTS

• The coronary artery calcium score substantially increased the use of cardiac CT. • Cardio-metabolic and general health markers may be derived without changes to the scan protocol. • Those include epicardial fat, aortic valve calcifications, liver fat, bone density, and lung density. • Clinicians must be aware of this potential additional yield from non-contrast cardiac CT.

Osteocardiology: Defining the Go/No-Go Time Point for Therapy

Recent epidemiological studies have revealed that the risk factors associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC), including male gender, smoking, hypertension, and elevated serum cholesterol, are similar to the risk factors associated with the development of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). The results of the experimental and clinical studies demonstrate that traditional risk factors initiate early atherosclerosis which over time differentiates to form bone in the heart causing clinical CAC and CAVD. Understanding the cellular mechanisms of cardiovascular calcification, the end-stage process of the atherosclerosis will help define the specific time point to modify this cellular process of bone formation in the heart termed osteocardiology. This time point between subclinical atherosclerosis and clinical calcification is the go/no-go time point, or the point of no return with severe clinical calcification in the heart. This review will summarize the development of bone formation in the heart termed osteocardiology, to define the go/no-go time point for therapy initiation to slow the progression of cardiovascular calcification.

Caseous mitral annular calcification mimicking a lung tumor on chest X-ray

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a common condition of the mitral valve apparatus. A case involving caseous calcification, a rare variant of MAC is presented. This variant which has a benign course can present as an intracardiac mass and needs to be differentiated from more sinister causes of calcified cardiac masses such as tumor, abscess, and infective vegetation. Often, this requires multimodality imaging with echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Features of caseous calcification of the mitral valve on these imaging modalities are reviewed as the associations and clinical features.

Exposure to ambient air pollution and calcification of the mitral annulus and aortic valve: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND

Long-term exposure to high ambient air pollution has been associated with coronary artery calcium (CAC), a marker of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Calcifications of left-sided heart valves are also markers of CVD risk. We investigated whether air pollution was associated with valvular calcification and its progression.

METHODS

We studied 6253 MESA participants aged 45-84 years who underwent two cardiac CT scans 2.5 years apart to quantify aortic valve calcium (AVC) and mitral annular calcium (MAC). CAC was included for the same timeframe for comparison with AVC/MAC. Ambient particulate matter <2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and oxides of nitrogen (NO_x) concentrations were predicted from residence-specific spatio-temporal models.

RESULTS

The mean age (SD) of the study sample was 62 (10) years, 39% were white, 27% black, 22% Hispanic, and 12% Chinese. The prevalence of AVC and MAC at baseline were 13% and 9% respectively, compared to 50% prevalence of CAC. The adjusted prevalence ratios of AVC and MAC for each 5 μg/m³ higher PM_2.5 was 1.19 (95% CI 0.87, 1.62) and 1.20 (0.81, 1.77) respectively, and for CAC was 1.14 (1.01, 1.27). Over 2.5 years, the mean change in Agatston units/year for each 5 μg/m³ higher PM_2.5 concentration was 0.29 (-5.05, 5.63) for AVC and 4.38 (-9.13, 17.88) for MAC, compared to 8.66 (0.61, 16.71) for CAC. We found no significant associations of NOx with AVC and MAC.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest a trend towards increased 2.5-year progression of MAC with exposure to outdoor PM_2.5, although this association could not be confirmed. Additional well-powered studies with longer periods of follow-up are needed to further study associations of air pollution with valvular calcium.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Although MESA is not a clinical trial, this cohort is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00005487; Date of registration May 25, 2000.

Relation of Serum Vitamin D to Risk of Mitral Annular and Aortic Valve Calcium (from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis)

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration has been identified as a possible modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We hypothesized that serum 25(OH)D concentration would be associated with calcifications of the left-sided heart valves, which are markers of CVD risk. Aortic valve calcium (AVC) and mitral annular calcium (MAC) were quantified from cardiac computed tomography scans performed on 5,530 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis participants at the baseline examination (2000 to 2002) and at a follow-up visit at either Examination 2 (2002 to 2004) or Examination 3 (2004 to 2005). 25(OH)D was measured from serum samples collected at the baseline examination. Using relative risk regression, we evaluated the multivariable-adjusted risk of prevalent and incident AVC and MAC in this ethnically diverse population free of clinical CVD at baseline. The mean age of participants was 62 ± 10 years; 53% were women, 40% white, 26% black, 21% Hispanic, and 12% Chinese. Prevalent AVC and MAC were observed in 12% and 9% of study sample, respectively. There were no significant associations between 25(OH)D and prevalent AVC or MAC. Over a mean follow-up of 2.5 years, 4% developed incident AVC and 5% developed incident MAC. After adjusting for demographic variables, each 10 ng/ml higher serum 25(OH)D was associated with a 15% (relative risk 0.85, 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 0.98) lower risk of incident MAC but not AVC. However, this association was no longer significant after adjusting for lifestyle and CVD risk factors. Results suggest a possible link between serum 25(OH)D and the risk for incident MAC, but future studies with longer follow-up are needed to further test this association.

Coronary artery calcification in CKD-5D patients is tied to adverse cardiac function and increased mortality

Background: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is common in patients with chronic kidney disease on hemodialysis (CKD-5D) and is an important predictor of mortality. However, cardiac functional links between CAC and mortality have not been well established. This study tested the hypothesis that CAC increases mortality by adversely affecting cardiac function. Methods: Patients were recruited from 37 regional dialysis centers. 2-D and Doppler echocardiographic analyses were performed, and CAC was measured using 64-slice computed tomography. Relationships between CAC and echocardiographic measures of left ventricular (LV) function were analyzed. Survival was assessed with median follow-up of 37 months. Results: There were 157 patients: 59% male, 46% Caucasian, 48% diabetic. Median age was 55 years, and median duration of CKD-5D was 45 months. Agatston CAC scores > 100 were found in 69% of patients, with 51% having a score > 400. CAC was associated with measures of LV systolic and diastolic function (global longitudinal strain (GLS; rho = 0.270, p = 0.004)), peak LV systolic velocity (rho = –0.259, p = 0.004), and estimate of LV filling pressure (E:E’; rho = 0.286, p = 0.001). Multivariate regression confirmed these relationships after adjustment for age, gender, LV ejection fraction, and coronary artery disease. Valvular calcification varied linearly with CAC (p < 0.05). Both LV diastolic and systolic functional measures were significant predictors of mortality, the strongest of which was LV diastolic dysfunction. Conclusions: These findings show a link between CAC, cardiac function, and mortality in CKD-5D. LV diastolic function (E:E’), peak LV systolic velocity, and GLS are independent predictors of mortality. Valvular calcification may be an important marker of CAC in CKD-5D. These effects on cardiac function likely explain the high mortality with CKD-5D and describe a potentially-valuable role for echocardiography in the routine management of these patients.

Mitral valve disease--current management and future challenges

The field of mitral valve disease diagnosis and management is rapidly changing. New understanding of disease pathology and progression, with improvements in and increased use of sophisticated imaging modalities, have led to early diagnosis and complex treatment. In primary mitral regurgitation, surgical repair is the standard of care. Treatment of asymptomatic patients with severe mitral regurgitation in valve reference centres, in which successful repair is more than 95% and surgical mortality is less than 1%, should be the expectation for the next 5 years. Transcatheter mitral valve repair with a MitraClip device is also producing good outcomes in patients with primary mitral regurgitation who are at high surgical risk. Findings from clinical trials of MitraClip versus surgery in patients of intermediate surgical risk are expected to be initiated in the next few years. In patients with secondary mitral regurgitation, mainly a disease of the left ventricle, the vision for the next 5 years is not nearly as clear. Outcomes from ongoing clinical trials will greatly inform this field. Use of transcatheter techniques, both repair and replacement, is expected to substantially expand. Mitral annular calcification is an increasing problem in elderly people, causing both mitral stenosis and regurgitation which are difficult to treat. There is anecdotal experience with use of transcatheter valves by either a catheter-based approach or as a hybrid technique with open surgery, which is being studied in early feasibility trials.

Cardiac calcium score on 2D echo: correlations with cardiac and coronary calcium at multi-detector computed tomography

Background

To test the hypothesis that a semi-quantitative echocardiographic calcium score (eCS) significantly correlates with cardiac calcium measured by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and, secondarily, severe coronary artery calcifications and stenosis.

Methods

This is a retrospective, observational study, conducted in a tertiary centre. eCS was compared with CCTA scores of non-coronary cardiac calcium (nCACS), coronary cardiac calcium (CACS) and number of diseased coronary vessels, in 141 subjects without known coronary artery disease (CAD), who underwent both echocardiography and CCTA for clinical reasons.

Results

Age, prevalence of hypertension and all measures of calcium (eCS, nCACS and CACS) differed significantly between the no-CAD and CAD subgroups. eCS was positively correlated with nCACS (Spearman rho = 0.64, p < 0.0001), CACS (rho = 0.46, p < 0.01) and weakly with the number of diseased coronary vessels (rho = 0.28, p < 0.05). eCS and nCACS had similar area under the curve (AUC) for the prediction of severe CACS (≥400) (0.77, 95% CI 0.68-0.86 and 0.79, 95% CI 0.72-0.88) or obstructive CAD (0.63, 95% CI 0.54-0.72 and 0.63, 95% CI 0.55-0.73).

Conclusions

eCS, a calcium score easily obtainable during standard echocardiography, is moderately to strongly correlated with nCACS by CCTA. The full eCS score correlates with nCACS better than its single components. It correlates with CACS and predicts severe coronary calcification (CACS > 400), a known predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The eCS also predicts obstructive CAD, incrementally to age and clinical variables, although for this purpose CACS remains the most accurate score.

Mitral annular calcification and incident atrial fibrillation in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

AIMS

The associations of mitral annular calcification (MAC) with atrial fibrillation (AF) risk factors and related outcomes suggest a possible association between MAC and AF. The aim of this study was to examine the association between MAC and AF in a racially and ethnically diverse population.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This analysis included 6641 participants (mean age 62 ± 10 years; 53% women; 27% Blacks; 22% Hispanics; 12% Chinese-Americans) from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease and AF at baseline. The presence of MAC was defined by cardiac computed tomography (CT) as an Agatston score >0. Atrial fibrillation was ascertained by hospital discharge records and from Medicare claims data until 31 December 2010. Cox regression was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between MAC and AF. At baseline, 619 (9.3%) participants had MAC. Over a median follow-up of 8.5 years, 308 (4.6%) participants developed AF. In a multivariable adjusted model, MAC was associated with an increased risk of AF (HR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.5, 2.5). This association was consistent across subgroups of age, sex, race/ethnicity (Whites vs. non-Whites), hypertension, diabetes, and left atrial enlargement. The addition of MAC to the Framingham Heart Study and CHARGE AF risk scores for AF improved the C-statistics from 0.769 to 0.776 (P = 0.038) and 0.788 to 0.792 (P = 0.089), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The presence of MAC was predictive of incident AF in MESA. Potentially, these findings suggest a usefulness of cardiac CT to identify individuals at risk for AF.

Association between heart calcification assessed by echocardiography and future cardiovascular disease mortality and morbidity

Background

Echocardiography can detect calcium deposits in heart valves and aortic root, but the relationship of echocardiographic heart calcification such as aortic valve calcification (AVC), mitral annular calcification (MAC), and aortic root calcification (ARC) with future cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and morbidity is not fully elucidated.

Methods

We analyzed data from 943 patients with suspected coronary heart disease (mean age, 65.7 years; 36% female). Echocardiographic total heart calcification (THC) score was determined by summing up the AVC, MAC, and ARC variables; THC-0 (N = 397), THC-1 (N = 236), THC-2 (N = 224), and THC-3 (N = 86). Subjects were followed for mean 2.9 years to assess the risk of death from CVD causes. Cardiovascular morbidity was defined as new episodes of non-fatal myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, stroke, and surgical treatment of vascular disease.

Results

There were 43 CVD deaths and a total of 160 CVD events. Kaplan–Meier curves showed a graded CVD mortality and morbidity across increasing THC score values. With full adjustment, Cox regression hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for CVD mortality and morbidity, using no calcification as reference, for THC-1, THC-2, and THC-3 were 2.21 (1.31–3.74), 2.59 (1.53–4.39) and 4.14 (2.30–7.47), respectively. When THC score was added to models with CVD risk factors, C-statistics were significantly larger for CVD mortality (p = 0.048) and for CVD mortality and morbidity (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

THC score, the sum of the amounts of AVC, MAC, and ARC present as estimated by echocardiography, has an independent and incremental prognostic value in a high-risk population.

Risk factors associated with the incidence and progression of mitral annulus calcification: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND

Significant cardiovascular morbidity has been associated with mitral annulus calcification (MAC), but limited data exist regarding its progression. The purpose of this study was to examine the natural history of and risk factors for MAC progression.

METHODS

The MESA is a longitudinal cohort study of participants aged 45 to 84 years without clinical cardiovascular disease who underwent serial cardiac computed tomography studies with quantification of MAC. Regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with MAC incidence and progression.

RESULTS

Prevalent MAC was observed in 534 (9%) of 5,895 participants. Over a median 2.3 years, 280 (5%) developed incident MAC. After adjustment, age was the strongest predictor of incident MAC (adjusted OR, 2.25 per 10 years; 95% CI, 1.97-2.58; P < .0001). Female gender, white ethnicity, body mass index, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, serum cholesterol, smoking, and interleukin-6 were also significant predictors of incident MAC. In participants with prevalent MAC, the median rate of change was 10.1 [IQR, -6.7 to 60.7] Agatston units (AU)/year. Baseline MAC severity was the predominant predictor of rate of MAC progression (β-coefficient per 10 AU, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.85-0.91; P < .0001), although ethnicity and smoking status possessed modest influence.

CONCLUSIONS

Several cardiovascular risk factors predicted incident MAC, as did female gender. Severity of baseline MAC was the primary predictor of MAC progression, suggesting that, while atherosclerotic processes may initiate MAC, they are only modestly associated with its progression over these time frames.

Cardiovascular risk factors and mitral annular calcification in type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a degenerative process of the mitral annulus associated with cardiac disease and stroke. Although thought to be more prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), MAC remains poorly characterized in this population, due to confounding by renal and cardiac disease. Our goal was to study the risk factors for MAC in a sample of T2DM subjects without renal and cardiac disease.

METHODS

The Penn Diabetes Heart Study (PDHS) is a cross-sectional study of diabetic individuals without clinical cardiovascular or renal disease. We quantified and analyzed MAC Agatston scores in baseline cardiac CTs from 1753 individuals. Logistic and tobit regression were used to assess MAC's relationship with risk factors and coronary artery calcium (CAC).

RESULTS

MAC was present in 12.0% of subjects, with a median Agatston score of 72.3 [Interquartile range (22.2-256.9)]. Older age, female gender, Caucasian race, and longer diabetes duration were independently associated with both the presence and extent MAC even after controlling for CAC; however, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, tobacco use, CRP levels, and other comorbidities were not associated. CAC was strongly associated with MAC [OR of 4.0 (95% CI 2.4-6.6)] in multivariable models.

CONCLUSIONS

Age, female gender, Caucasian race, and diabetes duration were associated with the presence and extent of MAC in T2DM subjects, independent of CAC, which was also strongly associated with MAC. These data suggest that additional mechanisms for MAC formation in diabetics may exist which are distinct from those related to generalized atherosclerosis and deserve further investigation.

Aortic and mitral annular calcifications are predictive of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) and mitral annulus calcification (MAC) with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data from 902 type 2 diabetic outpatients, who had undergone a transthoracic echocardiography for clinical reasons during the years 1992-2007. AVS and MAC were diagnosed by echocardiography, and a heart valve calcium (HVC) score was calculated by summing up the AVS and MAC variables. The study outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

RESULTS

At baseline, 477 (52.9%) patients had no heart valves affected (HVC-0), 304 (33.7%) had one valve affected (HVC-1), and 121 (13.4%) had both valves affected (HVC-2). During a mean follow-up of 9 years, 137 (15.2%) patients died, 78 of them from cardiovascular causes. Compared with patients with HVC-0, those with HVC-2 had the highest risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, whereas those with HVC-1 had an intermediate risk (P < 0.0001 by the log-rank test). After adjustment for sex, age, BMI, systolic blood pressure, diabetes duration, A1C, LDL cholesterol, estimated glomerular filtration rate, smoking, history of myocardial infarction, and use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs, the hazard ratio of all-cause mortality was 2.3 (95% CI 1.1-4.9; P < 0.01) for patients with HVC-1 and 9.3 (3.9-17.4; P < 0.001) for those with HVC-2. Similar results were found for cardiovascular mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that AVS and MAC, singly or in combination, are independently associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic patients.

Coronary artery calcium scoring and its impact on the clinical practice in the era of multidetector CT

With the suggestion of coronary artery calcium as an indicator of coronary artery disease 30 years ago, intense and controversial discussion regarding coronary artery calcium has been ongoing. Diverse techniques for evaluation of coronary artery calcium were suggested and validation of its feasibility has been followed up. Following establishment of reference standards, coronary artery calcium became widely utilized in clinical practice and scientific research. Originally coronary artery calcium scoring techniques were developed for prediction of cardiovascular risk. Additionally, coronary artery calcium scoring has been utilized as an indicator for other medical events. Recently, coronary artery calcium scoring used to be applied as a reference standard during scientific research. In this article, the topic of coronary artery calcium, from its introduction to its current usefulness, was discussed from the viewpoints of coronary artery calcium scoring techniques, imaging modalities, validation of the techniques, clinical feasibility of coronary artery calcium scoring beyond traditional cardiovascular risk prediction, and utilization of coronary artery calcium scoring as a reference standard. Popular coronary calcium scoring techniques comprises of Agatston, volume, and mass scores. Through validation of these techniques, pros and cons of each technique were analyzed and proper utility could be suggested. In parallel, the reference standards for Agatston and volume scores were established by age, sex, and race. Through the vigorous controversies, nowadays, the clinical feasibility of coronary artery calcium score as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular risk was acknowledged in the literature.

From treating complex coronary artery disease to promoting cardiovascular health: therapeutic transitions and challenges, 2010-2020

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the most common cause of mortality worldwide. Obesity, insufficient physical exercise, diabetes, and advancing age are major risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease that are currently increasing in prevalence. Nevertheless, significant progress has recently been made in the treatment of complex cardiovascular and coronary artery disease (CAD), with pharmacological management set to assume an increasingly important role. Other timely factors, such as the development of the polypill and high-level medical and political interest in advancing cardiovascular health, are driving forces that may help to make inroads into the global cardiovascular disease burden. In this article, we critically review the key challenges that we face in the coming decade as we strive to transition and apply our growing knowledge of complex CAD to promoting global cardiovascular health.