Aortic knuckle calcification

Abstract

Aortic knuckle calcification is a condition where there is deposit of calcium in aortic valve causing reduced blood flow through the same. The condition usually presents in old age as a complication of rheumatic heart disease or Infective Endocarditis. Risk factors include old age, raised blood pressure and coronary heart disease. A 60-year-old female came with chief complaints of breathing difficulty for one month (grade 2 dyspnea) along with chest pain for two days. There was a history of rheumatic fever five years ago and was treated with a ten days course of penicillin. On examination, her blood pressure was found to be 150/100mmHg. Chest X-ray was taken and it showed aortic knuckle calcification. The patient was started on anti-hypertensive drugs and rheumatic fever prophylaxis and was planned for surgical valve replacement after 3 months.