Advanced heart block in mitral annulus calcification
Yahalom, M.; Amikam, S.; Riss, E.
Harefuah 100(12): 553-555
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 7319341 Document Number: 174152
Mitral annulus calcification (MAC) is not an uncommon roentgenographic finding in elderly patients. The only significant complication is the development of advanced atrioventricular block due to extension of the calcification to the conduction system in the interventricular septum. Ten women with MAC who developed advanced atrioventricular block and required permanent pacemaker implantation are described. Their ages ranged from 58-88 yr (average 75). Nine had symptoms relating to chronic low cardiac output and 1 had syncopal attacks; 8 had systemic hypertension. The ECG revealed 2nd degree atrioventricular block in 6 and complete atrioventricular block in 4. In all 10 patients, the QRS complexes were narrow. The diagnosis of MAC was established by fluoroscopy or by radiographic examination of the chest and was also documented by echocardiography. In some patients with atrioventricular block, mostly in females, the etiology of conduction defects may be MAC. Patients with MAC should be followed periodically, thus allowing early detection of these disturbances.