Mitral Stenosis—Child(Mitral Valve Stenosis—Child)
by
Marjorie Montemayor-Quellenberg, MA DefinitionMitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral valve in the heart. The mitral valve is in the left side of the heart between the upper and lower chambers of the heart. When working properly, the valve helps to keep blood flowing in the right direction from the upper to the lower chambers. Mitral stenosis makes it difficult for blood to move from the upper and lower chambers. This means there is less blood for the lower chamber to pump out to the body. The blood can also back up in the upper chamber and push back into the lungs.
CausesThe most common cause of mitral stenosis is rheumatic fever. This infection may develop after strep throat or scarlet fever. It can scar the heart valves. Mitral stenosis may develop 5-10 years after this infection occurs. Less common or rare causes include:
Risk FactorsThe main risk factor for mitral stenosis is rheumatic fever. Other risk factors may include:
SymptomsSymptoms are caused by the problems with blood flow and may include:
DiagnosisYou will be asked about your child’s symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Images may be taken of your child's heart. This can be done with:
Your child's heart function may also be tested with:
TreatmentIf your child has mild mitral stenosis, immediate treatment may not be needed. Your child's condition will be monitored to look for potential problems. Other treatment options include: MedicationsCertain medications may be given to improve heart function. The medications may help control the heart's rhythm and prevent the build up of fluid in the body. Antibiotics may be needed to treat certain infections. SurgeryYour child may need surgery to prevent heart damage. Common types of heart valve surgery include:
Complication ManagementThere are several steps your child can take to avoid some of the complications of mitral stenosis:
PreventionMost cases of mitral stenosis can be prevented by preventing rheumatic fever:
RESOURCES:American Heart Association http://www.heart.org National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Cardiovascular Society http://www.ccs.ca Canadian Family Physician http://www.cfp.ca References:
Mitral stenosis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115920/Mitral-stenosis
. Updated November 22, 2017. Accessed December 27, 2017.
Mitral valve abnormalities. Seattle Children’s Hospital website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed December 27, 2017. Shipton B, Wahba H. Valvular heart disease: review and update.
Am Fam Physician. 20011;63:2201. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Kari Kassir, MD Last Updated: 12/20/2014 | |
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