CONGENITAL MITRAL STENOSIS

Abstract

The clinical, radiological, and electrocardiographic findings of 4 patients with isolated congenital mitral stenosis are described and discussed. Isolated congenital mitral stenosis is rare; more commonly additional cardiac abnormalities are present, especially those involving the left side of the heart. The differential diagnosis from ventricular septal defect is emphasized. In both conditions there may be radiological evidence of increased pulmonary vascular markings. The poor prognosis can be improved by mitral valvotomy. Open-heart surgery is the method of choice in order to preserve mitral competence.