Correlation of aortic cuspal and aortic root disease with aortic systolic ejection murmurs and with mitral anular calcium in persons older than 62 years in a long-term health care facility

Aortic systolic ejection murmurs (ASM) are common in elderly persons.^1,2 Calcific deposits in the aortic valve are common in elderly persons and may lead to aortic stenosis.^2,3 Calcific deposits in the aortic valve occurred in 22 of 40 necropsy patients (55%) aged 90 to 103 years.³ Calcium of the aortic valve and mitral anulus (MAC) may coexist.^2-5 In addition, aortic cuspal or root thickening (aortic sclerosis) may cause ASM in elderly persons.⁶ We performed this prospective study to determine the prevalence of ASM, calcified aortic cusps, aortic stenosis and aortic sclerosis, and the correlation of calcified aortic cusps, aortic stenosis and aortic sclerosis with ASM and with MAC in an unselected population of elderly persons older than 62 years in a long-term health care facility.