Pulmonary valve stenosis

DEFINITION

Pulmonary valve stenosis is a condition in which a deformity on or near your pulmonary valve, the valve that influences the blood flow from your heart to your lungs, slows the blood flow. Adults occasionally have the condition as a complication of another illness, but mostly, pulmonary valve stenosis develops before birth as a congenital heart defect.

Pulmonary valve stenosis ranges from mild and without symptoms to severe. Mild pulmonary stenosis doesn’t usually worsen over time, but moderate and severe cases may worsen and require surgery. Fortunately, treatment is highly successful, and most people with pulmonary valve stenosis can expect to lead normal lives.

CAUSES

Pulmonary valve stenosis usually occurs when the pulmonary valve doesn’t grow properly during fetal development. Babies who have the condition often have other congenital heart abnormalities, as well. It’s not known what causes the valve to develop abnormally.

Normal pulmonary valve anatomy

The pulmonary valve is made up of three thin pieces of tissue called leaflets that are arranged in a circle. With each heartbeat, the valve opens in the direction of blood flow — into the pulmonary artery and continuing to the lungs — then closes to prevent blood from flowing backward into the right ventricle of the heart.

What happens in pulmonary valve stenosis

One or more of the leaflets may be defective or too thick, or the leaflets may not separate from each other properly. If this happens, the valve doesn’t open correctly, restricting blood flow.

Other contributing conditions

Sometimes other medical conditions or having an artificial valve can cause the condition in older people.

Carcinoid syndrome. This syndrome — a combination of signs and symptoms, including flushing of the skin and diarrhea — results from the release of a chemical, serotonin, from growths called carcinoid tumors in the digestive system.

Rheumatic fever. This complication of an infection caused by streptococcus bacteria, such as strep throat or scarlet fever, may injure the heart valves.

SYMPTOMS

Pulmonary valve stenosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the extent of the obstruction. People with mild pulmonary stenosis usually don’t have symptoms. Those with more significant stenosis often first notice symptoms while exercising.

Pulmonary valve stenosis signs and symptoms may include:

• Heart murmur — an abnormal whooshing sound heard using a stethoscope, caused by turbulent blood flow
• Shortness of breath, especially during exertion
• Chest pain
• Loss of consciousness (fainting)
• Fatigue

When to see a doctor

Talk to your doctor if you or your child has:

• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Chest pain

If you have pulmonary stenosis or another heart problem, prompt evaluation and treatment can help reduce your risk of complications.