[Balloon dilatation of congenital aortic stenosis]

We evaluated the catheterization results and follow-up echocardiographic data in all (n = 31) patients undergoing balloon dilatation for congenital aortic valve stenosis at Skejby University Hospital from May 1987 to October 1996. Patients were between three weeks and 35 years of age (median 12.1 years). Peak-to-peak systolic pressure gradient was reduced by 59%, from 74 +/- 17 to 30 +/- 20 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Balloon valvuloplasty was successful in 26 (84%) patients. At follow-up 38 +/- 33 months after balloon valvuloplasty, 19 of these 26 patients (73%) had a persistent reduction in gradient compared with that before valvuloplasty. In the seven patients who had been operated during the follow-up period, balloon valvuloplasty had delayed surgical intervention by 6-97 (median 38) months. Balloon valvuloplasty is an effective, low risk palliative procedure in patients with congenital aortic valve stenosis.