Pulmonary valve stenosis is a condition, usually present at birth, where either the pulmonary valve or the pulmonary artery just below the valve are narrowed. This narrowing reduces blood flow from the right ventricle into the lungs, where the blood goes to be oxygenated.
Causes of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Pulmonary stenosis is most commonly caused by a malformation during fetal development. The condition affects approximately 1 out of 8000 infants. Pulmonary stenosis that occurs later in life is associated with rheumatic fever, endocarditis, and other conditions that can cause damage or scarring of the pulmonary valve.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Valve Stenosis
Symptoms may not be present until the disease is mild or moderate in severity. When symptoms and signs do appear, they may include:
- Shortness of breath, especially during exercise.
- Fatigue.
- Chest pain.
- Fainting.
- A bluish tint to the skin (rare).
- Poor weight gain (in infants).
- A heart murmur.