Treatment of critical pulmonary valve stenosis by balloon dilatation in the neonate

Critical pulmonary valve stenosis represents an emergency, and immediate treatment is mandatory. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate and medium-term results of pulmonary valve dilatation. We report 18 neonates in whom pulmonary valvuloplasty was attempted. The procedure could be accomplished in 14 patients. The angiographically determined diameters of the pulmonary and tricuspid valve at the time of procedure were 5.6 ± 1.5 mm and 14.0 ± 5.4 mm. The mean Doppler gradient decreased from 71 ± 27 mm Hg to 27 ± 14 mm Hg. Perforation of the right ventricular outflow tract was the major complication in three patients with one fatal event. Infusion of prostaglandin E1 could be discontinued 1 to 5 days after the procedure. On follow-up three children required a second balloon dilatation with good results. Seven patients monitored for more than 9 months with a mean follow-up time of 34.4 ± 16 months had a residual gradient of 11.6 ± 6.7 mm Hg. In spite of a hypoplastic pulmonary valve annulus in seven of the patients, results were good and surgery could be avoided.