Mitral stenosis

Mitral stenosis is a narrowing of the mitral defect caused the hole (the opening between the left atrium and ventricular) which lead to difficulty in emptying the left atrium into the left ventricle.

The cause of

Rheumatic endocarditis is almost exclusive cause of mitral stenosis, mitral stenosis is extremely rare congenital malformation is the result of the mitral valve.

The clinical picture

Patients with moderate to tolerate any effort. Only the presence of precipitating factors (fever, greater effort, anemia, atrial fibrillation, pregnancy) leads to shortness of breath - dyspnea and cough. In moderate forms and less effort leads to these symptoms manifest themselves in severe and at rest. At an advanced stage dominated by fatigue, which increases due to right heart decompensation, with the advent of liver enlargement and edema prifernih - island. The emergence of palpitations - a racing heart caused by frequent atrial arrhythmias and atrial fibrillation later. Cause arrhythmias and emboli in the systemic circulation (brain, limbs, abdominal organs). Less commonly, symptoms appear in the form of angina pectoris, pulmonary embolism or hoarseness. When examining the dominant means of peripheral cyanosis (blue fingers, ears, nose) with cheeks flushed cheeks giving a typical picture-"facies mitralis". Jugular veins are swollen due to right heart decompensation.

Complications

Possible complications of acute pulmonary edema, atrial fibrillation, systemic embolism, bacterial endocarditis, lung damage.

Diagnosis

It is based on history, physical examination, physical findings (highlighted first tone, audible otvartanje mitral valve, noise), x-ray of the heart and lungs (configured mitral heart), ECG, fonokardiografije, ultrasound, cardiac catheterization.

Treatment

Medical treatment consists of prevention of rheumatic fever and infective endocarditis. In pulmonary congestion given diuretics, the restriction of salt intake. In the case of atrial fibrillation should be given digitalisne preparations, verapamil or beta blockers. The appearance of embolism requires anticoagulation. Medical treatment can reduce stenosis and surgical treatment is applied - different ways of expanding narrowed mitral opening or installing artificial valve.