mitral stenosis

a condition in which the opening between the left ATRIUM and left VENTRICLE is narrowed because of scarring and adhesion of the MITRAL VALVE . This scarring is often caused by RHEUMATIC FEVER , and the symptoms are similar to those of MITRAL INCOMPETENCE , accompanied also by a diastolic MURMUR . It is treated surgically by widening the STENOSIS (mitral VALVOTOMY ) or by valve replacement - mitral PROSTHESIS .