Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
The pulmonary valve is a flap-like structure, located between the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery, that allows blood to flow out of the heart into the pulmonary artery and to the lungs. The pulmonary valve prevents blood from flowing back from the pulmonary artery into the heart. Pulmonary valve stenosis is a rare condition where the blood flow from the heart to the lungs is slowed by an improperly developed pulmonary valve. Over time, the heart muscle is overworked causing the right ventricle to enlarge. Pulmonary valve stenosis usually develops before birth, as a congenital heart disorder, but can appear in adults as a complication from another illness.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Depending on the severity of the condition, the symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis may vary. They may include the following:
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Heart murmur
- Abdominal swelling
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Palpitations
For patients with mild pulmonary valve stenosis, symptoms may not be present, or they may only appear when exercising.
Diagnosis of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Pulmonary valve stenosis is typically diagnosed during childhood but may not be discovered until later on in life. If a heart murmur is detected, additional testing such as the following will help to confirm a diagnosis:
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
- MRI
- CT scan
- Cardiac catheterization
- Chest X-ray
Treatment of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Mild cases of pulmonary valve stenosis require regular checkups at the doctor and no actual treatment; most people with the condition can live normal lives. When the pressure in the right ventricle is high, treatment of pulmonary valve stenosis may include the following:
- Medication
- Balloon valvuloplasty
- Valve repair or replacement
- Catheterization