Mitral valve annulus (MA)

The mitral valve annulus is a dynamic, D-shaped anatomical structure that serves as the junction between the left atrium and the left ventricle, providing the attachment site for the mitral valve leaflets [1]. It is a vital component of the heart's fibrous skeleton and plays a functional role during the cardiac cycle by contracting and folding to facilitate leaflet coaptation and reduce stress on the valve apparatus [2]. Pathological alterations, such as annular dilation or mitral annular calcification (MAC), are significant contributors to mitral regurgitation and stenosis, which can lead to progressive heart failure [3]. While the annulus is a primary target for surgical and transcatheter interventions—most notably through the use of annuloplasty rings—it is not a molecular target for pharmacological agents [1, 2]. Current clinical interest focuses on the imaging of the annulus for procedural planning and the management of associated valvular pathologies [3].

Other names

Mitral annulusAnulus fibrosus cordisLeft atrioventricular ringAnnulus fibrosus of the mitral valve

Not applicable as this is an anatomical structure rather than a molecular receptor; however, it is a target for mechanical intervention via annuloplasty devices.