Pulmonary Valve Disease

While pulmonary valve disease is often congenital (present at birth), it can also result from conditions such as infective endocarditis or carcinoid syndrome.

Pulmonary valve disease occurs when the pulmonary valve, which regulates blood flow from the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery, does not function properly. The two primary forms of this condition are pulmonary valve stenosis, where the valve opening narrows and restricts blood flow, and pulmonary regurgitation, characterized by the valve's failure to close tightly, allowing blood to leak back into the right ventricle.

Individuals with pulmonary valve disease may experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, particularly during physical exertion, along with fatigue. Irregular heartbeats or palpitations is common. Many people with mild or moderate pulmonary valve disease may not exhibit symptoms initially.

Diagnostic tools include imaging tests such as echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and in certain cases cardiac catheterization might be utilized.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of valve dysfunction. Mild cases may require only monitoring. For severe pulmonary stenosis or regurgitation, catether-based procedures like balloon valvuloplasty or percutaneous valve implantation can be performed, as well as pulmonary valve repair or replacement surgery.

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