The role of catheter balloon commissurotomy for severe mitral stenosis in pregnancy.

Mitral stenosis is one of the more commonly seen valve lesions encountered in pregnancy. The pathophysiologic implications, management strategies, and a comprehensive review of literature over the past 20 years for optimal timing of catheter balloon commissurotomy during pregnancy are discussed. Mechanical relief of obstruction is indicated for cases of severe symptomatic mitral stenosis in pregnancy refractory to medical therapy. Catheter balloon commissurotomy is the procedure of choice in a select group of these patients with suitable valve morphology.