Q. What is Juvenile Mitral Stenosis ?

Peculiar to developing countries is the problem of juvenile mitral stenosis. Patients with rheumatic fever develop tight mitral stenosis in their adolescence. In developed countries disease tends to present much later. This may be due to initial severe rheumatic carditis or recurrent rheumatic fever. Principles of management are similar to that in adults. Balloon valvuloplasty may be done as indicated and expertise is needed to do the same in young children safely.