Mitral balloon valvuloplasty during pregnancy in developing countries.

Two women presented with severe mitral stenosis at 28th and 23rd weeks of gestation, respectively. Both did not respond to medical therapy and percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty was performed during pregnancy successfully. While one of the women gave no history of cardiac disease the other had already underwent balloon valvuloplasty twice due to restenosis of the mitral valve. The rest of their pregnancies were both uncomplicated. They discontinued their medication. Both were able to deliver vaginally at term. Percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty is a promising approach to the treatment of patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis if medical management is unsuccessful.