Which parameter is used to categorize MAC severity?

Which parameter is used to categorize MAC severity?

• A. Thickness in millimeters
• B. Left atrial size
• C. Ejection fraction
• D. Right ventricular systolic pressure

Answer: (A)

Mitral annular calcification severity is judged by how thick the calcified deposit around the mitral annulus is. The thicker the calcification (measured in millimeters), the more severe the MAC. This reflects how extensive the calcification is around the annulus and helps gauge potential impact on valve function and procedural risk. Left atrial size, ejection fraction, and right ventricular systolic pressure describe chamber size, LV systolic function, and pulmonary pressures, respectively, and do not quantify the extent of annular calcification, so they’re not used to categorize MAC severity.

Mitral annular calcification severity is judged by how thick the calcified deposit around the mitral annulus is. The thicker the calcification (measured in millimeters), the more severe the MAC. This reflects how extensive the calcification is around the annulus and helps gauge potential impact on valve function and procedural risk. Left atrial size, ejection fraction, and right ventricular systolic pressure describe chamber size, LV systolic function, and pulmonary pressures, respectively, and do not quantify the extent of annular calcification, so they’re not used to categorize MAC severity.