Mitral annular calcification and coarctation of aorta.

Although coarctation of the aorta is associated with various cardiac abnormalities, its association with mitral annular calcification (MAC) is not reported. We therefore report a 37-year-old patient with postductal coarctation of the aorta and MAC. Considered to be a degenerative process, MAC is usually seen in elderly patients. It is uncommon in patients less than 50 years old and rare before the age of 40 years. Previous studies have reported increased frequency of cardiac conduction disturbances in patients with MAC compared to age- and sex-matched controls. This is in agreement with complete right bundle-branch block noted on the electrocardiogram of our patient. Clinicopathologic correlative studies and long-term follow-up may determine how such conduction disturbances develop and progress.

Duke Scholars

Author Michael Hugh Sketch Jr. Medicine, Cardiology