Pulmonic sricture
Pulmonic sricture
Description, Causes and Risk Factors:
Pulmonic stricture is narrowing of the pulmonary artery, a large artery that sends oxygen-poor blood into the lungs to be enriched with oxygen. The narrowing may occur in the main pulmonary artery and/or in the left or right pulmonary artery branches. This narrowing makes it difficult for blood to reach the lungs to pick up oxygen. Without enough oxygen, the heart and body cannot function as they should. In an effort to overcome the narrowing, the pressure in the right ventricle (the chamber that pumps blood into the pulmonary arteries) rises to levels that can be damaging to the heart muscle.
Causes and Risk Factors:
A ventricular septal defect.
A narrowing at or just beneath the pulmonary valve.
A right ventricle that is more muscular than normal.
An aorta that lies directly over the ventricular septal defect.
Pulmonary atresia - absence of a pulmonary valve, preventing blood from flowing from the right ventricle into the pulmonary artery and onward to the lungs.
Truncus arteriosus - the formation of only one combined artery instead of the normal two outlets from the heart, the aorta and pulmonary artery.
Pulmonary valve stenosis - problems with the pulmonary valve (for example, development of less than three leaflets, leaflets that may be partially fused together, thick leaflets that do not open all the way) that make it more difficult for the valve leaflets to open and permit blood to flow from the right ventricle to the lungs.
Patent ductus arteriosus - an open passageway between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. Normally, this passageway closes on its own within a few hours of birth, but when it does not, surgery or an outpatient catheter-based procedure is needed to close the opening
Tetralogy of Fallot - a four-pronged defect consisting of:
The exact prevalence is unknown.
Symptoms:
Exercise intolerance.
Exercise-dependent fatigue.
Palpitations.
Presyncope and syncope.
Angina pectoris.
Dyspnea on exertion.
Signs:
Widely split second heart sound.
Harsh spindle-shaped ejection murmur.
Left parasternal thrill.
Right ventricular impulse.
Distended neck veins.
Cyanosis, clubbing of the fingers.
Systolic ejection click.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis may include:
Chest radiograph: The chest film shows signs of right atrial and right ventricular enlargement and prominent pulmonary arteries. There is no evidence of increased lung perfusion, and decreased perfusion of the peripheral lung vessels is occasionally noted. Doppler echocardiography can measure the pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve. In case of severe pulmonic stenosis the pressure gradient exceeds 80 mmHg.
Pulmonary angiography - a dye-enhanced x-ray of the pulmonary arteries and veins of the heart.
Perfusion scan - a test in which the patient is injected with a small amount of a radioactive material. A special machine shows how well blood is flowing through each of the two lungs.
EKG/ECG: ECG/EKG shows signs of atrial dilatation and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH).
Treatment:
Treatment for pulmonary stricture will vary depending on the severity of the condition and age of the patient. At present most cases of pulmonary stricture are treated by percutaneous valvuloplasty. Disruption of the valve shortenthe length of the right ventricular outflow tract in adults. This leads to an increase in infundibular muscular stenosis, often necessitating a limited course of therapy with beta blockers.
Balloon dilation and stent placement: In an effort to improve on the results of balloon dilation, a search for a more effective treatment was begun and led to the development of the stainless steel balloon-expandable stent. Stent placement is accomplished by positioning the stent across the narrowed segment of the artery. The stent is mounted on a balloon angioplasty catheter and covered with a sheath as it is moved into position. The sheath then is withdrawn off the stent-balloon angioplasty assembly and the balloon is inflated to its recommended pressure, expanding the stent and anchoring it in place.
The Cutting Balloon Technique™: This procedure is similar to standard balloon dilation but the balloon has been specially designed with small blades running up and down its length. When the balloon is inflated, the blades are activated and they cut through the narrowed area, making the vessel easier to dilate and resulting in a larger opening. Cutting balloons are available in different sizes.
Complications such as fluid collection around the heart or lungs occur after the surgery, but these are rarely serious.
NOTE: The above information is educational purpose. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
DISCLAIMER: This information should not substitute for seeking responsible, professional medical care.

A Compound in a Japanese Plant Can Be a Key to Extended Youth
A new study, performed by researchers from the University of Graz, Austria, finds that a compound known as 4,4'-dimethoxychalcone (DMC) in Japanese ashitaba can boost cellular health and prolong youth. For the study, the researchers conducted experiments with the...

A Handful of Nuts May Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack by 33%
Recent research suggests that a handful of nuts, such as Brazil nut, cashew or pistachios, may reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by 33% in people with diabetes. Having performed analysis of the received data, the researchers discovered that people who ate an...
Featured Products
Kangoo Jumps Training: 5 Beginner Exercises
In childhood, many of us dreamed of learning to jump high. Now, after years, it became easier - Kangoo Jumps has appeared. This is one of the relatively new, but quickly gaining popularity types of fitness training. There are several advantages of jumpers. ...
read more4 Sport Activities That’ll Keep You in Shape for The New Year
It is time for us to find the solution how to deal with extra weight which is coming with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations because 2018 is almost over and 2019 is getting closer. The main aim is obviously staying in shape and today will find an effective way to...
read more4 Unexpected Facts How Sport Helps to Maintain a Healthy Psyche
We know that moderate exercise strengthens our health and makes us more beautiful. But few know about the importance of doing sports as psychotherapy. And, nevertheless, physical loads can save from depressions, reduce anxiety, relieve from professional burnout,...
read more
0 Comments