Quang suffered two ischemic strokes last year, followed by a third episode in late March, presenting with limb weakness, speech difficulty, fever, and a productive cough. After one week of treatment for acute ischemic stroke and pneumonia at a local hospital, he was transferred to Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi.

According to Doctor Nguyen Xuan Duy from the Cardiology Department, an echocardiogram revealed severe mitral valve narrowing in Quang, with a valve opening area of less than 1 cm² (normally 4-6 cm²). Additionally, slow, turbulent blood flow in the left atrium led to blood clot formation.

"Severe heart valve narrowing caused three ischemic strokes," Doctor Duy stated. The optimal treatment for the patient was balloon mitral valvuloplasty, which immediately improved the valve narrowing and reduced pulmonary congestion.

The procedure was performed under the guidance of transesophageal echocardiography, allowing doctors to directly observe the heart chamber structures for precise manipulation.

The team performed Inoue balloon mitral valvuloplasty for the patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The team performed Inoue balloon mitral valvuloplasty for the patient. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Following the intervention, blood flow through the valve improved, the patient's pneumonia resolved, muscle strength recovered, and he was discharged after one week of treatment.

Doctor Duy noted that rheumatic heart disease is common in individuals aged 6-15, occurring after a group A hemolytic streptococcus infection, which can cause damage and lead to complications in the brain, heart, and joints. To prevent the disease, daily oral hygiene, including brushing teeth, gargling, and rinsing the throat with salt water, is essential. Avoiding contact with individuals suffering from upper respiratory infections is also important. People experiencing a sore throat or swollen joints should seek medical attention.

Ly Nguyen

*Patient's name has been changed