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.