Pulmonary Valve Disease

Pulmonary Stenosis

Pulmonary valve stenosis (narrowing) is a condition, usually present at birth, in which blood flowing from the right ventricle is obstructed by a deformed pulmonary valve.

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It is most often caused by a malformation during fetal development. The cause is unknown. The defect may occur alone, but is usually associated with other heart defects. The condition can be mild or severe and occurs in approximately 10 percent of patients with congenital heart disease.

Pulmonary stenosis can also occur later in life as a result of rheumatic fever, endocarditis, and other disorders.

Symptoms of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Signs and symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis depend on how severely and quickly the condition develops. There may be no symptoms until the disorder is severe. Symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting with physical exertion (exercise)
• Blue-tinged skin (cyanosis)
• Chest pain
• Swelling in ankles and feet

Causes of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis

Pulmonary valve stenosis is most often caused by a malformation during fetal development. The reason is unknown. The defect may occur alone, but is usually associated with other heart defects. The condition can be mild or severe and occurs in approximately 10 percent of patients with congenital heart disease.

Pulmonary stenosis can also occur later in life as a result of conditions that cause damage or scar the pulmonary heart valve, including rheumatic fever, endocarditis, and other disorders.