Calcific coronary embolization associated with cardiac valve replacement. Necropsy x-ray study.
The hearts of 14 patients dying early after replacement of a calcified aortic or mitral valve were examined for the presence of calcific coronary emboli. The incidence of embolization as shown by x-ray film was 92-9 per cent. The number of emboli in individual cases ranged from 4 to 119. Replacement of an aortic valve was associated with a more severe embolization than replacement of a mitral valve. Th mechanisms of calcific embolization are discussed and preventive surgical measures suggested.
D000328:Adult; D001021:Aortic Valve; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D004617:Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve; D011859:Radiography