mitral stenosis

Question 1

what is mitral stenosis

Answer 1

obstruction of blood flow across the mitral valve from the left atrium to left ventricle
- increase pressure within left atrium, pulmonary vasculature and right side of heart

Question 2

causes of mitral stenosis

Answer 2

RHEUMATIC FEVER
- also: mucopolysaccharidoses, carcinoid and endocardial fibroelastosis

Question 3

features of mitral stenosis

Answer 3

SOB: due to increase in left atrial pressure-> pulmonary venous hypertension
haemoptysis-> increased pulmonary pressure
mid-late diastolic murmur
loud S1
opening snap
low volume pulse
malar flush
AF- secondary to left atrial enlargement

Question 4

features of severe mitral stenosis

Answer 4

length of murmur increases
opening snap becomes closer to S2

Question 5

investigations for mitral stenosis

Answer 5

echo
chest x-ray may show left atrial enlargement

Question 6

management of mitral stenosis

Answer 6

patients with associated AF: anticoagulation
asymptomatic: regular echos
symptomatic: percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy or mitral valve surgery