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What is pulmonary valve stenosis?

Pulmonary stenosis is a narrowing of the pulmonary valve. This valve controls blood flow from the lower right chamber of the heart (right ventricle) to the lungs. When the valve is narrowed, it makes it harder for blood to flow to the lungs.

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What causes pulmonary valve stenosis?

Pulmonary valve stenosis is most often present at birth due to a congenital heart defect.

In rare cases, it can develop later. This may happen after certain conditions, such as rheumatic fever or carcinoid syndrome. Carcinoid syndrome happens when a rare tumor, called a carcinoid tumor, releases chemicals into the bloodstream.

Pulmonary stenosis is usually diagnosed in childhood, but some people are diagnosed and followed as adults. Moderate to severe cases are often found when a healthcare professional hears a loud heart murmur.

What are the symptoms of pulmonary valve stenosis?

If pulmonary stenosis is mild, there may be no symptoms. If it’s moderate or severe, symptoms may include:

• Bluish color to the skin
• Fatigue (feeling very tired)
• Fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Poor weight gain or failure to thrive in infants
• Poor appetite

What are the treatments and likely outcomes?

Treatment is needed when the pressure in the right ventricle is high, even if there are no symptoms. High pressure can lead to an enlarged heart and heart failure.

People with mild pulmonary valve stenosis from a congenital heart defect often do well without treatment. If other congenital heart defects are present, medication may help manage symptoms.

Depending on how severe the condition is, the valve may be repaired or replaced with surgery or a minimally invasive procedure.