Congenital Mitral Stenosis.

CONGENITAL stenotic lesions of the mitral valve may be classified into various groups depending on the functional capacity of the left ventricle. In the extreme form, s8vere stenosis or atresia of the mitral valve is associated with hypoplasia of the left ventricle and aorta. Septal defects are usually present and these combinations are lethal in infaincy.i' 2 In the presence of a functioning left ventricle, the anomaly is compatible with survival, and the stenotic valvular lesion produces an increased pressure proximal to the mitral valve, resulting in left atrial enlargement, pulmonary venous and arterial hypertension, and ultimately congestive heart failure. Although congenital isolated mitral stenosis is rare, it is often associated with a poor prognosis. This report is concerned with a study of isolated congenital mitral stenosis. Mitral stenosis associated with other cardiac anomalies is discussed briefly.