Dallas
214-456-2333
Fax: 214-456-2714
Plano
469-303-4300
Fax: 469-303-4310
Park Cities
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
Prosper
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Request an Appointment with codes: Cardiology (Heart Center)
Scientists are making advances every day in developing new ways to repair mitral valves with stenosis, and even implant valves that can grow with your child. At Children's Health℠, we offer care from some of the nation’s leading pediatric heart experts, and we have cared for many children with mitral valve stenosis. Our leading-edge imaging and surgical techniques can give your child the best opportunity to live a productive, healthy life.
214-456-2333
Fax: 214-456-2714
469-303-4300
Fax: 469-303-4310
469-488-7000
Fax: 469-488-7001
469-303-5000
Fax: 214-867-9511
Request an Appointment with codes: Cardiology (Heart Center)
The mitral valve acts as a door between the left atrium and left ventricle of a child’s heart. The mitral valve lets blood flow into the heart in one direction, which helps regulate how much blood flows through your child’s heart.
Mitral valve stenosis is a defect in the valve – it may be fused, too thick or have another structural problem. When the mitral valve doesn’t work properly the blood flow through your child’s heart can become disorganized.
Sometimes, children are born with mitral valve stenosis. This heart defect can make the heart work harder to pump blood and cause your child’s heart to weaken over time.
Doctors use a few different types of tests to diagnose mitral valve stenosis. These tests take detailed pictures of your child’s heart to help doctors see the defect and how it is impacting your child’s heart. These imaging tests include:
Mitral valve stenosis is most often caused by a birth defect in your child’s heart. Mitral valve stenosis can also be caused by rheumatic fever, though this disease is not very common in the United States nowadays. Surgery to repair an abnormal mitral valve can sometimes cause mitral stenosis.
Children with more serious mitral valve stenosis may need surgery. However, some will not need any immediate treatment. Many children with mitral valve stenosis live healthy lives with regular checkups by their care team. When a child does require surgery, they may need:
Cardiologists insert a long thin tube called a catheter into an artery or vein in your child’s groin, neck or arm and thread it through their blood vessels to their heart. Once in place, the catheter provides important information about your child's oxygen levels and the pumping function of their heart. It can also help doctors restore the function of your child's mitral valve.
Recent advancements in pediatric cardiology have led to the development of new tools and techniques for replacing defective valves with medical devices that are safer and healthier for your child. Some valves may need to be repaired; others will need to be replaced. If your child has a mechanical valve inserted, they may need it replaced as they grow.
For the most part, children with mitral valve stenosis live very healthy, productive lives. However, some children may experience some limitations on their physical activity. It all depends on the child and their overall health.