Mitral Annular Calcification as a Possible Nidus for Endocarditis: A Descriptive Series with Bacteriological Differences Noted.

Background: Mitral annular calcification (MAC) is a chronic inflammatory process with similarities to atherosclerosis. It is common in elderly patients and those with renal dysfunction. Although MAC is associated with cardiovascular morbidity, its relationship to infective endocarditis is unclear.