Challenges of Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty in Paediatric Patients with Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Rheumatic fever is still the commonest cause of mitral stenosis in developing countries. This is attributable to predominance of overcrowding, unhygienic lifestyle and poor socio-economic status. Usually rheumatic carditis sets in by 10-20 years after an attack of rheumatic fever. However juvenile rheumatic carditis has a fulminant course and requires prompt intervention [2]. In case of a pliable valve and minimal mitral regurgitation, percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty has shown to produce good immediate and long term outcome in paediatric patients.