title: Calcium embolism of the coronary arteries after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty.
abstract: Two cases of rare, catastrophic calcium emboli to the coronary arteries immediately after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty are presented. Preoperative echocardiographic findings may identify patients at risk for this complication. These cases should increase the awareness of calcium emboli and lead to consideration of urgent coronary angiography for patients with signs or symptoms of acute coronary occlusion after valvuloplasty.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA.
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Nishimura
authors.forename: C S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Rihal
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001344:Autopsy; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D017023:Coronary Angiography; D003331:Coronary Vessels; D004452:Echocardiography; D004617:Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012214:Rheumatic Heart Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D012307:Risk Factors