Balloon Valvuloplasty for Pulmonary Stenosis in Children: Immediate Outcome and Cardiac Remodeling during Midterm Follow-up

Background: Percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) is treatment of choice for valvular pulmonary stenosis (VPS) as it is highly effective and safe in children and adults. This study evaluated the immediate results of BPV and also heart remodeling in midterm follow up. Methods: In this prospective study, we first reviewed immediate outcome of 104 pediatric patients with mean age of 3.64 +/- 4.33 years and mean weight of 11.32 +/- 7.7 kg at the time of BPV who were treated at our tertiary pediatric heart center from June 2010 to August 2014, and then on midterm follow up (mean follow up time was 2.0 +/- 1.87 years) the patients were reassessed by 2D, M-mode, Doppler and tissue Doppler echocardiography for cardiac remodeling and pulmonary valve function. P value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: This study showed right ventricular pressure and pulmonary valve stenosis decreased significantly immediately after procedure and peak instantaneous pressure gradient remained acceptable on follow up. However, the patients had significant diastolic dysfunction in midterm follow up while tricuspid inflow velocities and E/A ratio had no statistically significant correlation with right ventricular pressure and residual VPS. These patients had significant increased tricuspid valve Aa velocity and E/Ea ratio and had significant difference with normal references of age during follow up period. Also pulmonary artery diameters were in normal range for body surface area after the procedure. Conclusions: Although BPV is a safe and effective treatment for children with VPS, right ventricular diastolic dysfunction may persist in midterm follow up.