The association of the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio with mitral annular calcification

Objectives. Mitral annular calcification (MAC) and atherosclerosis are similar in regard to risk factors and pathogenesis. Increased platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) has been shown to be associated with atherosclerotic diseases in previous studies. In this study, we aimed to show the association of PLR levels with the presence of MAC. Design. A total of 1060 patients [n = 704 MAC (+), and n = 356 MAC (-)] who were admitted to our cardiology department were enrolled between January 2014 and December 2014. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters of all participants were recorded. PLR was calculated from the complete blood count. Results. The MAC (+) group comprised of those older in age and having a higher rate of hypertension. The mean PLR value was also significantly higher in the MAC (+) group, as compared to that in the MAC (-) group (129.1 ± 32.2 vs 103.5 ± 23.8, p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant and positive correlation between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and PLR (r = 0.644, p < 0.001). Age, hypertension, mean platelet volume, NLR, and PLR (OR: 1.109, 95% CI: 1.101-1.123, p < 0.001) were independently associated with the presence of MAC. Conclusions. Our results demonstrated that the PLR was significantly increased in patients with MAC, and that the PLR was independently associated with the presence of MAC.