Pulmonary Stenosis

What is pulmonary stenosis?

Pulmonary stenosis is a type of congenital heart disease. This means that it’s a heart condition that a baby is born with. Children with pulmonary stenosis have a problem with the pulmonary valve inside their heart. Normally, the three leaflets of the valve allow blood to flow forward into the lungs, while stopping the blood from flowing backwards. When a child has pulmonary stenosis, these leaflets might be too thick, stuck together, or not open all the way. This makes the heart work harder to pump blood to the lungs. Over time, this can damage the heart.

Pulmonary stenosis can range from mild to severe. Children with mild disease might not have symptoms until they are older, while children with severe pulmonary stenosis can be very ill.

What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary stenosis?

The symptoms of pulmonary stenosis can vary depending on how severe it is. Symptoms of pulmonary stenosis in children may include:

• A blue tint to the skin, fingernails or lips
• Shortness of breath
• Fast or heavy breathing
• Feeling very tired
• Chest pain

What causes pulmonary stenosis?

Pulmonary stenosis occurs when the pulmonary valve does not develop correctly during pregnancy. Experts are not sure what causes this to happen.

How is pulmonary stenosis treated?

The treatment for pulmonary stenosis depends on the severity and type of your child’s condition. Children with mild disease may not need any treatment. Children with moderate to severe pulmonary stenosis may need to have the valve repaired or replaced. Treatment options may include:

• Cardiac catheterization. During this procedure, the doctor inserts a catheter with a balloon at the tip into a vein in your child’s leg and guides it to the valve. When the catheter reaches the valve, the doctor inflates the balloon to stretch the valve open.
• Valve replacement. Children with a severe stenosis may need to have their pulmonary valve replaced, using an artificial valve or one from a donor.

Nationally ranked in pediatric cardiology and cardiac surgery, the Arkansas Children's Heart Institute offers world-class expertise and state-of-the-art technology to infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Your pediatric cardiology team at Arkansas Children’s is experienced in treating pulmonary stenosis and will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your child.