Extreme Left Atrial Calcification (Heart Atrium Petrification)

A 57-year-old female patient was scheduled for mitral valve surgery. During the preoperative examination, there were calcifications (petrification) visible on the chest X-ray and close to the mitral valve. Extreme left atrial calcification (atrial calcification) findings were observed in the patient whose mitral valve was replaced. In order to reduce the risk of left atrial (atrial) reduction and thromboembolism, the calcification (petrification) was removed in one piece. The patient was discharged in good health on the 6th postoperative day.

Mitral valve surgery is among the daily surgeries in Cardiac Surgery. Surprises are rarely encountered. In general, the mortality rate is between 3.5 and 6% according to the American STS Database.

The case presents a 57-year-old female patient with   severe left atrial  thickening  and  calcification during mitral valve replacement  . In order to intervene in the mitral valve and open and then reduce the size of the left atrium, this calcification was removed in one piece. Both holes that appear as “eyes” actually represent the entrances of the pulmonary veins. In addition to this calcification, a considerable amount of  thrombus material was also removed.