Percutaneous balloon dilation of severe pulmonary valve stenosis in patients with cyanosis and congestive heart failure

Objectives This article reports outcomes of percutaneous balloon dilation in patients with severe pulmonary valve stenosis, in particular in those treated late with cyanosis, congestive heart failure, and pericardial effusion. Background Percutaneous balloon dilation is the treatment of choice for pulmonary valve stenosis. Although earlier intervention may produce better results, patients may present late with congestive heart failure and cyanosis. Methods Fifty‐five patients who underwent pulmonary valve balloon dilation, were grouped into two groups, based on the presence or absence of congestive right heart failure and/or central cyanosis. Group I included 33 patients with severe pulmonary valve stenosis, but without clinical evidence of congestive right heart failure in the form of liver enlargement, raised jugular venous pressure, and peripheral edema and/or central cyanosis and group II included 22 patients with severe pulmonary valve stenosis and congestive right heart failure and/or central cyanosis. Their outcomes were compared. Results Doppler measured transvalvar pressure gradient decreased from 110.2 ± 34.0 mm Hg before to 52.5 ± 28.7 mm Hg in group I after dilation (P