Persistence of Lung Function Abnormalities Despite Sustained Success of Percutaneous Mitral Valvotomy

PBMV produces an initial decrease in Dlco, suggesting a reduction of pulmonary congestion. During follow-up, the regression to the initial lung diffusion values despite a sustained hemodynamic improvement suggests that some irreversible interstitial changes were present. In patients with mitral stenosis, an impairment of lung function parameters suggests that PBMV must be performed early, even if patients have few symptoms.