Transthoracic Echocardiographic Visualization of Calcification of the Sinotubular Ridge of the Ascending Aorta.

Calcification of the ridge between the sinus of Valsalva and the tubular segments of the ascending aorta has been documented at autopsy, but no echocardiographic description has yet been published. We describe the two-dimensional echocardiographic appearances in 33 men (mean age, 69 years). Sinotubular ridge calcification manifested as a dense small echo projecting into the aortic lumen, precisely at the junction of the sinus of Valsalva and tubular aortic segments. Calcification in the aortic valve cusps, mitral annulus, basal mitral leaflets, and papillary muscles also were frequently present. This previously unknown entity must be distinguished from atheromatous aortic plaques.