[Adult pulmonary stenosis: percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty]

The results of balloon valvuloplasty as treatment for pulmonary stenosis in 8 adults (6 male) whose ages ranged from 17 to 58 years are presented. Three patients had been subjected to cardiac surgery 32, 40 and 10 years before. The procedure was performed through the right femoral vein using one or two balloons with a diameter of not less than 20 mm, without complications and excellent tolerance. The pulmonary gradient and the right ventricular pressure were reduced in 7 patients from 81.4 +/- 26.9 to 26.6 +/- 11.3 and from 99.3 +/- 25.5 to 47.7 +/- 13.6 mm Hg respectively (p < 0.0005). During follow up, 6 of the patients have remained in functional capacity I and in two, Doppler ultrasound examination showed a further reduction in valvular gradient. These results are in accordance with other reports and confirm that this technique is the treatment of choice for adult pulmonary stenosis.