Echocardiographic Characteristics Of The Heart In Pulmonary Artery Stenosis Among Patients Aged 1 To 29 Years

Background: Pulmonary artery stenosis (PAS) is one of the most common congenital heart defects in children and young adults. Echocardiography remains the leading non‑invasive method for assessing morphological and functional cardiac changes. However, age‑related echocardiographic parameters in PAS are insufficiently studied, which complicates diagnostic standardization. Aim: To evaluate age‑related echocardiographic characteristics of the heart in patients with pulmonary artery stenosis aged 1–29 years. Methods: A total of patients aged 1–29 years with PAS were examined. Echocardiography was performed using two‑dimensional, M‑mode, and Doppler techniques. Subjects were divided into five age groups: 1–4, 5–9, 10–14, 15–19, and 20–29 years. Parameters assessed included right atrial and ventricular dimensions, interventricular septal thickness, pulmonary artery diameter, and systolic/diastolic function. Results: In early childhood (1–4 years), right atrial enlargement predominated, while right ventricular size remained within normal limits. At 5–9 years, atrial dilation persisted with initial wall thickening of the right ventricle. Adolescents (10–14 years) demonstrated ventricular enlargement and early hypertrophy. In young adults (15–29 years), progressive hypertrophy of the right ventricle and interventricular septum was observed, accompanied by pulmonary valve regurgitation. These findings confirm heterochronous and heterodynamic remodeling processes in PAS. Conclusion: Age‑related echocardiographic changes in PAS vary from chamber dilation in childhood to hypertrophy and remodeling in adolescence and young adulthood. Recognition of these patterns is essential for accurate diagnosis, risk stratification, and individualized treatment planning.