Aortic valve balloon dilatation in a newborn for critical aortic stenosis diagnosed during fetal life.

A young primigravida was diagnosed to have a fetus with critical aortic stenosis at 30 weeks' gestation. A decision to follow-up the fetus till term was taken as there was no evidence of congestive heart failure. Post-natal retrograde aortic valve balloon dilatation was performed 36 hours after birth. There was marked improvement in left ventricular function and the baby is doing well at 1-year follow-up. The need for accurate assessment of intracardiac anatomy during fetal life in critical aortic stenosis and its impact on therapeutic interventions is highlighted.