[Prevalence and pathogenesis of aortic valve calcifications].

BACKGROUND: Calcific aortic valve disease is present in more than 25% of patients > 65 years of age and is associated with a 50% increased risk of cardiovascular events. The clinical significance of aortic valve calcification detected incidentally by radiologic examinations, especially on CT scans of the chest, was unknown. Concerning the multifactorial pathogenesis of aortic valve calcification, recent data indicate that, besides other factors, also the regulators of calcification play a key role in the disease process.

PURPOSE: This study aims to give an overview of the prevalence and clinical significance of incidentally detected aortic valve calcifications. Moreover, the role calcification inhibitors in the pathogenesis of aortic valve calcification is discussed.