MAC Attacks: Unusual Complications of Mitral Annular Calcification – American College of Cardiology
Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is common in the setting of chronic kidney disease and aging. Previously presumed “degenerative” in etiology, cardiac/vascular calcification is now understood to be inflammatory, involving osteoblastic transformation of myofibroblasts. Calcified aortic valves may even contain lamellar bone and bone marrow. MAC shares risk factors with atherosclerosis and is associated with cardiovascular events. Interest in MAC has been rising along with transcatheter edge-to-edge