ABSTRACT
Degenerative mitral stenosis (MS) is a chronic degenerative process of mitral annulus resulting in mitral annular calcification (MAC) and mitral stenosis in the elderly. With a growing aging population and increasing risk factors such as hypertension, radiation and left ventricular hypertrophy (especially in the developed countries) the prevalence of degenerative MS is increasing. The basic pathology of degenerative MS is slowly progressive calcification of the fibrous annulus of the mitral valve (MAC). With severe annular calcification, MS and/or mitral regurgitation (MR) may develop. Degenerative MS remains a difficult subset to treat. Emerging treatment options such as TMVR are promising modalities. Future research is needed to develop therapies for preventing progression of mitral annular calcification.
