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Pulmonary artery stenosis in newborns – heart defect
An abnormal narrowing of the pulmonary arteries that interferes with blood circulation is called pulmonary stenosis. This is a congenital heart disease, a violation of the vascular system that can be detected in a newborn baby. A narrowing of the lumen is observed at the exit of the artery from the heart muscle. It makes it difficult for the heart to work and can lead to the development of failure.
Symptoms of pulmonary artery stenosis in newborns
The pulmonary artery carries the flow of blood from the heart to the lungs. Due to the narrowing of the right ventricle, much more force is required to conduct blood flow through the narrow vessel. The blood passes more slowly than necessary. The result is an excessive load on the heart muscle and circulatory disorders.
Pulmonary artery stenosis is detected in childhood
Pathology is not always dangerous to health, a slight degree of narrowing does not show any symptoms. If the child has a mild or moderate stenosis, and it does not obstruct normal blood circulation, treatment is not carried out.
Severe narrowing of the artery affects the physical development of the child and may cause lagging behind peers. During physical activity, symptoms typical of heart disease – pulmonary stenosis may appear:
- chest pain;
- cardiopalmus;
- dyspnea;
- fatigue;
- blue lip tint;
- dizziness.
Stenosis may present with fainting. Often the pathology is accompanied by cyanosis – blue skin on the hands or mucous membranes due to the high content of reduced hemoglobin in the blood.
Diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary artery stenosis in children
The narrowing is detected after the ECG. This examination detects high to moderate narrowing of the artery. With minor pathology, the electrocardiogram will not reveal any abnormalities.
Echocardiography is indicated to detect a low degree of stenosis.
Treatment is required if the lumen of the artery is so small that it impedes the process of blood circulation. The situation is corrected by surgery. The operation can be performed as early as on the 2nd day of a newborn’s life, if the narrowing is very pronounced and poses a danger to the child’s life.During the surgical intervention, excess vessel tissue is removed, thereby clearing the way for blood flow.
If the pathology does not threaten the baby’s life, then it is better to postpone the operation until a later date, when he is at least 5 years old. All this time, the child must be registered with a cardiologist, undergo regular examinations.