Caseous Calcification of the Mitral Annulus

Abstract

Soft-tissue masses or mass-like lesions involving the mitral valve include a wide range of diseases such as tumors, abscesses, vegetations, thrombus and, rarely, caseous calcifications of the mitral annulus. Caseous calcifications of the mitral annulus is a rare variant of mitral annular calcification that is usually asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. Echocardiography is the first-choice imaging modality. Cardiac computed tomography is an ideal tool to confirm the presence of calcifications and caseous necrosis. In cases where there is doubt, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging may be used. We present the case of a 62-year-old patient with an intra-cardiac mass diagnosed by echocardiography. Imaging modalities to achieve a correct diagnosis and avoid unnecessary surgical intervention are discussed.