Disorder - Mitral stenosis

Organ Systems Involved
Cardiovascular

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Aorticopulmonary septal defect; Atrial septal defect; Patent ductus arteriosus; Tetralogy of Fallot; Tricuspid stenosis; Ventricular septal defect

Alternative Names
Mitral valve stenosis

Presenting Signs

Congenital mitral stenosis is a condition resulting from a narrowing of the mitral valve in the heart. The mitral valve is a valve controlling blood flowing into the heart. It is located between the two chambers on the left side of the heart known as the atrium (upper chamber) and ventricle (lower chamber). The pathway between these chambers becomes narrowed or stenotic if the mitral valve, or tissue surrounding the valve, becomes thickened. The narrowed pathway is less effective at transporting blood into the left ventricle, meaning that less blood is pumped from the heart into circulation. Instead, blood accumulates in the left atrium, and gradually backs up into lungs.

Presenting signs vary. Cats may show no clinical signs or have a history of rapid or laboured breathing, coughing or lethargy. On physical exam, a murmur over the left side of the heart may be detected.

Cats at Risk

No breed predilections identified. Congenital heart abnormalities however, are considered more common in males, with more purebred than mixed breed cats affected.

Treatment

Medical and surgical. Medical treatment, aimed at controlling clinical signs and reducing cardiovascular workload, involves exercise restriction, dietary sodium/salt reduction, and drugs such as diuretics and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Surgical treatment, aimed at replacing/widening the mitral valve, is risky and rarely performed.

PubMed References
Mitral stenosis

Contributor
Emily Surgeon