Mitral balloon valvuloplasty during pregnancy in developing countries

Two women presented with severe mitral stenosis at 28th and 23rd weeks of g estation, respectively. Both did not respond to medical therapy and percuta neous balloon valvuloplasty was performed during pregnancy successfully. Wh ile one of the women gave no history of cardiac disease the other had alrea dy underwent balloon valvuloplasty twice due to restenosis of the mitral va lve. The rest of their pregnancies were both uncomplicated. They discontinu ed their medication. Both were able to deliver vaginally at term. Percutane ous balloon valvuloplasty is a promising approach to the treatment of patie nts with rheumatic mitral stenosis if medical management is unsuccessful. ( C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.