Pulmonic Stenosis

What is Pulmonic Stenosis?

In pulmonic stenosis, obstructed right ventricular outflow causes right ventricular hypertrophy as the right ventricle attempts to overcome resistance to the narrow valvular opening.

A congenital defect, pulmonic stenosis is associated with other congenital heart defects such as tetralogy of Fallot. It's rare among elderly people.

Causes of Pulmonic Stenosis

Pulmonic stenosis results from congenital stenosis of the pulmonic valve cusp or (infrequently) from rheumatic heart disease or cancer .

Signs & Symptoms of Pulmonic Stenosis

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

Note: There may be no symptoms until the disorder is severe. Symptoms, when present, may get worse with exercise or activity.

Diagnostic Tests

Chest X-rays usually show normal heart size and normal lung vascularity, although the pulmonary arteries may be evident. With severe obstruction and right­sided heart failure, the right atrium and ventricle typically appear enlarged.

Echocardiography can be used to visualize the pulmonic valve abnormality.

Treatment

A low-sodium diet and diuretics help reduce hepatic congestion before surgery. Additionally, cardiac catheter balloon valvuloplasty is usually effective even with moderate to severe obstruction.

Prevention Tips

There are no guidelines for preventing pulmonic stenosis