The study of calcifications involving the mitral valve is extremely important for the planning of both surgical and percutaneous procedures. Computed tomography (CT) is the non-invasive imaging modality considered the gold standard for the assessment of mitral valve calcifications, thanks to its high spatial resolution and the strong X-ray attenuation of calcium deposits. Echocardiography has traditionally played a limited role in the evaluation of mitral valve calcifications, particularly with three-dimensional imaging. Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic rendering with TrueVue transillumination (Philips Medical Systems, Eindhoven, NL) can provide additional information on the location and extent of calcium on the mitral valve by allowing the placement of a virtual light source beneath the mitral valve. Specifically, the TrueVue system is an advanced software module integrated into Philips echographic equipment that uses data acquired by the transesophageal probe to generate photorealistic images of the heart. Therefore, the ability to evaluate the position and extent of calcifications through transesophageal echocardiography may represent an important step forward for echocardiographic imaging.
This is a non-profit, observational, bidirectional (prospective and retrospective), multicenter study aimed at comparing the diagnostic accuracy of the following modalities: * Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) (gold standard) * Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
100
Centro Cardiologico Monzino; IRCCS
Milan, Milan, Italy
RECRUITINGQuantification of Mitral Calcifications
Diagnostic accuracy in the quantification of mitral calcifications, assessed through qualitative visual evaluation and defined by the presence of calcium involving: (1) the mitral valve; (2) the mitral annulus, with or without differentiation of the mitral scallops; and (3) the mitral leaflets, with or without differentiation of the mitral scallops.
Time frame: 06/2026
Semiquantitative assessment of mitral calcifications
Diagnostic accuracy in the semiquantitative assessment of mitral calcifications through calculation of the "Mitral Annular Calcification Score."
Time frame: 06/2026
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