Tricuspid regurgitation
Definition
Tricuspid regurgitation is a disorder involving backward flow of blood across the tricuspid valve which separates the right ventricle (lower heart chamber) from the right atrium (upper heart chamber).
This occurs during contraction of the right ventricle and is caused by damage to the tricuspid heart valve or enlargement of the right ventricle.
Alternative Names
Tricuspid insufficiency
Causes
The most common cause of tricuspid regurgitation is not damage to the valve itself, but enlargement of the right ventricle, which may be a complication of any disorder that causes failure of the right ventricle.
Other diseases can directly affect the tricuspid valve. The most common of these is rheumatic fever, which is a complication of untreated strep throat infections. The valve fails to close properly, and blood can flow back to the right atrium from the right ventricle, and from there back into the veins. This reduces the flow of blood forward into the lungs. The condition affects about 4 out of 100,000 people.
Another important risk factor for tricuspid regurgitation is use of the diet medications called "Fen-Phen" (phentermine and fenfluramine) or dexfenfluramine.
Tricuspid regurgitation may be found in the setting of congenital heart disease (Ebstein anomaly). Rarely tricuspid regurgitation can be caused by an unusual tumor called carcinoid. This tumor secretes a hormone which damages the valve. Other infrequent causes of tricuspid regurgitation include rheumatoid arthritis, radiation therapy, Marfan syndrome, and injury.
Symptoms
Ttricuspid regurgitation may not produce any symptoms if the patient does not havepulmonary hypertension. If pulmonary hypertension and moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation exist together, the following symptoms may result:
Exams and Tests
When gently pressing with the hand (palpation) on the chest, there may be a lift produced by the beating of the enlarged right ventricle. Similarly, there a pulse may be felt over the liver. The liver and spleen may be enlarged.
Listening to the heart with a stethoscope shows a murmur or abnormal sounds. Ascites (collection of fluid in the abdomen associated with liver disorders) may be present.
An ECG or echocardiogram may show enlargement of the right side of the heart.
Doppler echocardiography or right-sided cardiac catheterization are used to measure blood pressures inside the heart and lung.
Treatment
Treatment may not be needed if there are few or no symptoms. Hospitalization may be required for diagnosis and treatment of severe symptoms. Underlying disorders should be identified and treated. Some people may be able to have surgery to repair or replace the tricuspid valve.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Treatment of any underlying conditions, especially pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular enlargement, may correct the disorder. Surgical valve repair or replacement usually provides a cure. However, those with severe tricuspid regurgitation that can not be corrected may have a poor prognosis.
Possible Complications
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation are present.
Prevention
Discuss any history of heart valve disease or any family history of congenital heart diseases before treatment by a health care provider or dentist. Any dental work, including cleaning, and any invasive procedure can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream. This bacteria can infect a weakened valve causing endocarditis.
Obtain prompt treatment for conditions that may cause valve disease. Treat strep infections promptly to prevent rheumatic fever.
Review Date:
5/30/2006
Reviewed By:
Alan Berger, MD, Assistant Professor, Divisions of Cardiology and Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
