Aortic and Mitral Valve Disease and Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Children.

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we will discuss aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral regurgitation, and mitral stenosis. We will review the etiology, anatomy, pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of aortic and mitral valve disease. Age and lesion specific treatments are outlined based on the severity of valve disease with an aim at long-term preservation of left ventricular function.

DATA SOURCE: MEDLINE and PubMed.

CONCLUSIONS

Mitral and aortic valve disease leads to unique hemodynamic burdens that can impact left ventricular function, quality of life, and longevity. The primary challenge in the management of mitral and aortic valve disease is to apply appropriate medical management and identify that point in time at which the surgery is necessary. Although guidelines have been established for the management of aortic and mitral valve disease in adults, the challenges of early presentation, maintenance of growth potential, and apparent increased tolerance of hemodynamic burden in children makes decision making challenging.