Tricuspid Regurgitation after Cardiac Transplantation Does Not Affect Long Term Survival

Abstract

Purpose Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) may be associated with right ventricular dysfunction and increased mortality. This study addresses the fate of postoperative TR and its impact on long term survival. Methods and Materials Between 2002 and 2006, 118 patients were identified who underwent OHT at our institution. Detailed retrospective case-note review was undertaken. Data collected included demographic, perioperative and echocardiographic details. Patients were divided into two groups based on the degree of TR identified on echocardiography early postoperatively. Results Of the 118 pts, 23 (19%) had at least moderate TR in the early postoperative period. The two groups were otherwise similar with respect to age and sex, however the TR group had significantly higher preoperative mean pulmonary artery and capillary wedge pressure (33.4 vs. 25.6, p figure 1 ] Of the 23 patients with significant early postoperative TR, 17 (74%) demonstrated significant reduction in the grade of TR on serial annual echocardiographic follow-up. TR almost completely disappeared in 15 patients (65%) at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions This study reports no significant impact of early TR on long-term survival following OHT. In addition, in a significant proportion of patients the degree of TR improves significantly on follow-up echocardiography without any further intervention.