Health Encyclopedia

Pulmonary valve stenosis

Definition

Pulmonary valve stenosis is a condition in which the flow of blood from the heart (right ventricle, or lower chamber) is blocked at the valve that separates the heart from the pulmonary artery (pulmonic valve). This narrowing is usually present at birth (congenital).

Alternative Names

Valvular pulmonary stenosis; Heart valve pulmonary stenosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Pulmonary valve stenosis is most often caused by a problem that occurs when the unborn baby (fetus) is developing. The cause is unknown, but genetics may play a role.

Narrowing that occurs in the pulmonary valve is called pulmonary valve stenosis. Narrowing that occurs below the pulmonary valve is called subvalvar pulmonary stenosis. Another form of the condition, supravalvar pulmonary stenosis, is when narrowing occurs above the main pulmonary valve.

The defect may occur alone. However, it can also occur with other heart defects. The condition can be mild or severe. It occurs rarely, in only about 10% of patients with congenital heart disease.

Pulmonary stenosis can also occur later in life as a result of conditions that cause damage or scarring of the heart valves. These include rheumatic fever, endocarditis, and other disorders.

Symptoms

Bluish coloration to the skin (cyanosis) in some patients
Chest pain
Fainting
Fatigue
Poor weight gain or failure to thrive in infants with severe blockage
Shortness of breath
Sudden death

Note: Patients with mild-to-moderate blockage may not have any symptoms. There may be no symptoms until the disorder is severe. Symptoms, when present, may get worse with exercise or activity.

Signs and tests

The health care provider may hear a heart murmur by stethoscope. Tests used in the diagnosis of pulmonary stenosis may include:

Treatment

Sometimes, treatment may not be required.

Percutaneous balloon pulmonary dilation (valvuloplasty) using a catheter can be successful for pulmonary valve stenosis that occurs without other heart defects.

Surgery may be performed to repair the defect.

Medications used before surgery may include:

Anti-arrhythmics to improve the heart function
Blood thinners to prevent clots
Prostaglandins
Water pills to remove the excess fluid

Expectations (prognosis)

As a general rule with mild stenosis, one-third of patients get better, one-third stay the same, and one-third get worse. The outcome is good with successful surgery or cardiac catheterization. Other congenital heart defects may also be a factor.

Complications

Cyanosis
Death
Heart failure
Leaking of blood back into the right ventricle (pulmonary regurgitation) after repair
Right ventricular hypertrophy (enlargement)

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis.

Call your health care provider if you have treated or untreated pulmonary valve stenosis and you develop swelling (of the ankles or any area), difficulty breathing, or other new symptoms.

References

Zipes DP, Libby P, Bonow RO, Braunwald E, eds. Braunwald's Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine, 8th ed. St. Louis, Mo; WB Saunders; 2007.

Review Date:5/15/2008
Reviewed By:Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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