The Plasma Concentration Levels of Adrenomedullin in Egyptian Patients Complaining of Mitral Stenosis, With and Without Pulmonary Hypertension

Mitral stenosis is associated with increased pulmonary artery pressure and resistance. Adrenomedullin, discovered in human pheochromocytoma tissue in 1993, has shown to dilate the pulmonary vessels and so may participate in the control of pulmonary circulation. In this study, we assessed the plasma concentration of adrenomedullin in patients complaining of rheumatic mitral stenosis, with and without pulmonary hypertension. The study revealed a significant increase in the plasma concentration of adrenomedullin, in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis without pulmonary hypertension and highly significant increase in the plasma adrenomedullin concentration in patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension. The study revealed also a significant positive correlation between the plasma level of adrenomedullin and mean heart rate, mitral valve area and peak pulmonary artery systolic pressure in all cases of mitral stenosis, with and without pulmonary hypertension. Inspite of the increased production of adrenomedullin, supplement of adrenomedullin would be of beneficial effect in improving deteriorated conditions.