Application of EDXRF to the assessment of aortic valve mineralization

Calcification of the aortic valve cusps due to degenerative changes is the most common lesion encountered in patients who require aortic valve replacement. The primary pathogenic mechanisms responsible for calcific degeneration of the aortic valves still remain unclear. Moreover, there are no convenient methods for the assessment of aortic valve susceptibility to mineralization, which is of crucial importance for the choice of valves for transplantation. The present study was undertaken to develop a quick method for the assessment of the mineralization of aortic valve samples by determination of the increase in calcium level during in vitro incubation of aorta samples. Such a method would allow one to obtain the necessary information without destruction of the material for transplantation. The study consisted in the incubation of human aorta and aortic valve samples, followed by the determination of calcium concentrations by EDXRF. The following elements were detected: Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Br. Compton scattering was used for determination of the sample thickness. The results showed that if there is an increase in Ca level in aortic valves it is accompanied by its elevation in aorta. The study showed that EDXRF may be a useful tool for studies of mineralization processes in aortic valve and aorta samples. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.