Semilunar valvar stenosis associated with congenital rubella syndrome

RESUMO

We studied four children who were born with congenital rubella syndrome, in whom cardiac malformations including semilunar valvar stenosis were present. These children attended the pediatric cardiology unit of Hospital Fundacao Santa Casa de Misericordiórdia do Pará. The diagnosis was made clinically and by laboratory results. Specific anti-rubella antibodies IgM and IgG were measured using a capture-antibody enzyme immunoassay. Three patients presented with aortic stenosis associated with patient ductus arteriosus, and 1 patient had isolated pulmonary valvar stenosis. Rubella-specific IgM antibodies were detected in 3 of the 4 children and IgG antibodies in 1. We review the role of rubella virus as a teratogenic agent implicated in a pathogenesis of aortic and pulmonary valvar stenosis. These pathologic lesion are part of the diffuse ateriopathy that affects the fetus with rubella virus infection.