Primary Tricuspid Regurgitation Research Articles

Transcatheter Tricuspid Regurgitation Repair—An Overview of Techniques and Eligible Patient Selection

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequently encountered in clinical practice. It is classified into primary TR (organic), which accounts for a minority of cases; and into secondary TR (functional), which has a higher prevalence. Although it can be asymptomatic for a long time, TR causes right ventricle dysfunction and increases hospitalizations for heart failure and mortality. In most patients with severe, isolated TR, surgery is not indicated due to the high surgical risk. In the last 10 years, transcatheter tricuspid valve repair became feasible with the following good results: reduction in TR severity, reverse remodeling of the right heart chambers, improvement in symptoms and reduction in hospitalization time. This paper presents the main transcatheter techniques and data from relevant trials that used these techniques, focusing on patient characteristics that define eligibility and high probability of repair. Information is provided regarding the observed benefits and the complications.

Mortality and heart failure in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. Impact of RV volumes and function by CMR.

Abstract Background Beyond symptoms, right ventricle (RV) dilatation and dysfunction are established criteria for intervention in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR); however defined thresholds to support intervention are lacking. As a result, the optimal timing for intervention remains controversial and it is commonly undertaken at a late stage. Purpose To describe prognostic cut-off values of RV size and function by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance in a multicentre cohort of patients with at least severe TR. Methods The study enrolled patients with at least severe TR assessed by 2D echocardiography who underwent a contemporary cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study. Conventional parameters of biventricular volume and function were assessed in all patients. A combined endpoint of hospital admission due to heart failure (HF) and all-cause mortality was defined. Results 318 patients with severe TR recruited from 5 tertiary care hospitals were included in this study (70 ± 11 years, 67% female, 73% NYHA I or II). Regarding the etiology, 10% were primary TR, 1% CIED-related TR, 46 % atrial secondary TR and 43% ventricular secondary TR. After a median follow-up of 28 months (IQR: 10-54 months), 42% of the patients (n=134) experienced the combined endpoint (n=113 were admitted due to HF, n=61 died). After adjusting for age, NYHA class, comorbidities, type of TR and LVEF in a multivariate Cox proportional model (LR Chi-Square: 88.01, p<0.001), RV-EDV and RVEF were independently associated with all-cause mortality and heart failure (adjusted HR for RV-EDV per ml/m2 =1.008 [1.005-1.012], p<0.001 and RVEF HR per 1%=0.961 [0.942-0.981], p<0.001). Thresholds of RV-EDV ≥ 93 ml/m2, RV-ESV ≥ 39 ml/m2 and RVEF ≤ 58% held the best accuracy to predict outcomes (figure). In multivariable analysis, prognostic cut-off values of RV-EDV, RV-ESV and RVEF was associated with 1.91, 2.03, and 1.76-fold increased risk of HF or all-cause mortality respectively (RV-EDV HR: 1.91 [1.34-2.71], p<0.001, RV-ESV HR 2.03 [1.42-2.89], p<0.001 and RVEF HR1.76 [1.25-2.49], p=0.001). Conclusion RV size and function are crucial for determining optimal timing for TR intervention. CMR remains the gold standard to assess RV remodeling. Cut-off values of RV volume and function by CMR are defined in a multicentre cohort of patients based on outcome data; proposed thresholds differ from those previously established by echocardiography.Kaplan Meier curves

Prognostic value of hemodynamically significant secondary tricuspid regurgitation in patients hospitalised for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Abstract Introduction Heart Failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a significant clinical concern, characterized by a rising prevalence and substantial morbidity. Despite the frequent presence of secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in this population, its prognostic implications remain unknown. Purpose The aim of this study is to assess the rate of the composite of mortality and heart failure readmissions by considering the presence of hemodynamically significant secondary TR in patients hospitalised for HFpEF. Methods Prospective observational cohort study. Patients admitted for acute HFpEF (ejection fraction > 50%) between September 2019 to December 2022 were included. Patients with primary TR, pacemaker, moderate-severe left valve disease, end-stage renal failure (creatinine clearance < 30 ml/min/BSA) and recent myocardial infarction were excluded. TR was considered significant if rated as moderate or higher, following established semi-quantitative and quantitative criteria in current guidelines. Patients were followed-up for one year to assess the incidence of the composite primary outcome of death and heart failure readmission. Results A total of 110 patients were included. Median age was 85 [78-89] years, 64% were female. The mean left ventricle ejection fraction was 57% (+/-5%). Significant TR was observed in 44.5% (n=49) of cases. Patients with significant TR had higher NT-ProBnp values (4555 [2620-7025] pg/mL vs 2400 [1300-5494] pg/mL; P = 0.01), and worse echocardiographic parameters of right heart size and function compared to those without significant TR (TABLE). The incidence of the composite outcome was higher in patients with significant TR compared to patients without significant TR (P = 0.01, LogRank test) (FIGURE). In a Cox regression multivariate analysis including age and sex, significant TR was independently associated with the incidence of the primary outcome (HR 1.86; CI 1.10 - 3.13; P = 0.006). Conclusion In patients hospitalised for HFpEF, significant TR was independently associated with a higher incidence of death and heart failure readmission at one year-follow-up. Further research is needed in this group, particularly to explore novel risk stratification and therapeutic approaches.Kaplan-Meier curveTable

Gender-specific differences in severe tricuspid regurgitation. Finding from a TR multicentre CMR registry

Abstract Background Observational studies have suggested that severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is more prevalent in women than in men, although the pathophysiological causes that justify this difference are unknown. Purpose 1) to assess clinical and imaging differences by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) between men and women and 2) to examine the relationship between gender and all-cause mortality in a multicentre cohort of patients with at least severe TR. Methods The study-enrolled patients with at least severe TR assessed by 2D echocardiography who underwent a contemporary cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Results 318 patients with severe TR recruited from 5 tertiary care hospitals were included in this study (70 ± 11 years, 67% female, 73% NYHA I or II). Regarding the etiology, 10% were primary TR, 1% CIED-related TR, 46 % atrial secondary TR and 43% ventricular secondary TR. Women showed a non-significant tend to lower prevalence of comorbidities, lower BNP and significantly lower creatinine values (table). Regarding CMR variables, women showed smaller indexed right ventricle (RV) volumes higher RVEF and lower TR regurgitant volume (table, p<0.05 for all). Left ventricle (LV) volumes were smaller and LVEF higher in women compared to men (p<0.001). During a median follow-up of 28 months (IQR: 10-54 months), there were 61 deaths (19%) with an estimated 5-year survival of 74%. Cumulative all-cause mortality was significantly worse in men compared to women (27% vs. 15%, p<0.001, figure). Male gender was significantly associated with all-cause mortality independently of age, RV volumes, RVEF and LVEF (HR 2,2 [1.34-3,68], p =0.002). Different cut-off values of index RV volumes and EF were predictive of mortality in men and women. In men a RV-EDV >110 ml/m2 and RVEF<57%; in women a RV-EDV >90 ml/m2 and RVEF< 60% were predictive of all-cause mortality (p<0.01). Conclusion Severe TR is more prevalent in women; however, it shows lower RV remodeling, better RV function and lower rate of events compared to men. Different prognostic RV cut-off values are provided based on CMR data.Gender differencesKaplan Meier Curves

Effective RV ejection fraction by CMR: a new index of RV function in patients with severe TR

Abstract Background Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction represent an formal indication for intervention in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). RV ejection fraction (RVEF) by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) is considered the gold standard of RV function; however it is influenced by changes of preload conditions and may remain unaffected until late stages in severe TR. Effective RV ejection fraction (eRVEF) is corrected by the amount of TR and may reflect an earlier parameter of RV dysfunction. Purpose To compare the prognostic impact of both indices of RV function: RVEF and eRVEF in a multicentre cohort of patients with severe TR. Methods Patients with at least severe TR assessed by 2D echocardiography with a contemporary cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) study were included in this study. In addition to conventional parameters of biventricular volume and function, eRVEF was assessed in all patients. eRVEF was calculated according to the formula: eRVEF=net pulmonary forwardflow/RV− EDV (figure). A combined endpoint of hospital admission due to right heart failure and cardiovascular mortality was defined. Results 271 patients with severe TR recruited from 5 tertiary care hospitals were included in this study (age 71 ± 11 years, 67% female, 83% NYHA I or II). Regarding the etiology, 10% were primary TR, 1% CIED-related TR, 46 % atrial secondary TR and 43% ventricular secondary TR. After a median follow-up of 27 months (IQR: 10-53 months), 41% of the patients (n=112) experienced the combined endpoint (n=97 were admitted due to HF, n=49 died). After adjusting for age, NYHA class, comorbidities, type of TR and LVEF in multivariate Cox proportional models, both RVEF and eRVEF were independently associated with all-cause mortality and heart failure (adj HR for RVEF HR per 1%=0.96 [0.94-0.98], p<0.001 and for eRVEF per 1%=0.98 [0.96-0.99], p<0.001). A value of eRVEF of ≤37% were associated with impaired prognosis (figure). eRVEF identified higher rates of RV dysfunction compared to RVEF (49% vs 38%, p<0.001). eRVEF was superior to RVEF to predict outcomes (higher AUC 0.70 [0.63-0.76] vs 0.66 [0.59-0.73, p<0.001; Δ C-statistic 0.139 [0.040-0.237], p=0.05). Conclusion RV function is crucial for determining optimal timing for TR intervention. eRVEF is corrected by the amount of TR and identify higher rates of RV dysfunction in severe TR. eRVEF held stronger association with outcome compared to RVEF.eRVEF calculationKaplan Meier Curves

Robustness of tricuspid regurgitation reduction at 1year following edge-to-edge repair for primary tricuspid regurgitation.

Within recent years, transcatheter tricuspid edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) has emerged as a safe and effective treatment option in patients with secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR). However, for primary TR, data on the robustness and durability of TR reduction 1year following T-TEER is limited. All consecutive patients treated with T-TEER for TR at two high-volume centers between September 2018 and December 2022 were enrolled in a registry. Primary TR was defined as tricuspid valve (TV) prolapse or flail TV leaflets as assessed by pre- and peri-interventional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). 201 patients were included in this analysis, of whom 27 (13.4%) were classified as primary TR and 174 (86.6%) as TR of secondary origin. All-cause mortality during 1-year follow-up was reached by 50 patients (24.9%) [primary: 7 (25.9%), secondary: 43 (24.7%)], and 151 (75.1%) completed follow-up with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). Patients' median age was 80 (76-83) years, 112 (55.7%) were female and 181 (90.1%) reported a New-York heart association functional class (NYHA-FC) of III or IV. The remaining baseline clinical and echocardiographic parameters were comparable between the groups, but secondary TR patients had a significantly higher TRI-SCORE (5 (4-8) vs. 7 (5-14), P = 0.010). In both groups, an immediate reduction of TR-Grade post-intervention was observed. This reduction was sustained at follow-up with 80.0% of the primary TR patients classified as moderate or less and 61.8% of the secondary TR patients. This translated to a significant improvement of NHYA-FC in both groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no differences regarding rates for all-cause mortality between the groups (P < 0.99). T-TEER achieves a robust TR reduction in primary TR patients 1year after intervention with noninferior clinical results to treatment for secondary TR with regards to mortality, re-hospitalization, and NYHA-FC.

Primary tricuspid regurgitation: a rare case report

Tricuspid regurgitation is no longer a forgotten valve as TR can be clinical challenge for the treating physician especially patients with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation. The aetiology can be primary and secondary TR of which secondary TR is more common with female predominance. Another entity called isolated TR is now seen. Primary TR due to infective endocarditis is a rare condition. Clinical examination must look for signs of right heart failure. Investigations like Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiogram has to meticulously done to grade the severity of TR and look for morphological changes. Medical management must be tailored made for patients based upon the severity and the clinicians must know when to refer to the valve team for appropriate intervention.

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Tricuspid Regurgitation.

It is estimated that 6% of persons over age 75 have clinically relevant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). This condition carries a high mortality and is of particular interest because of the recent development of new interventional treatments. This review is based on publications that were retrieved by a selective search in the PubMed database for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, registry studies, expert recommendations, and current international guidelines. The evidence reveals that TR is an independent cause of mortality. Mortality is correlated with the severity of TR: approximately 35% of patients with severe TR and right heart failure die within 1 year, and about 60% within 3 years. The clinical course varies depending on the etiology (primary TR, atrial/ventricular secondary TR, association with pacemaker systems). In the outpatient setting, timely diagnosis by transthoracic echocardiography is crucial. The options for pharmacotherapy are essentially limited to diuretic treatment (grade 2a recommendation). Early referral to a specialized heart valve center is essential for the prevention of irreversible damage of the right heart and secondary end-organ damage, including cardiohepatic and cardiorenal syndromes. In the heart valve center, an extended diagnostic evaluation with multimodal imaging is followed by a case discussion by the interdisciplinary cardiac team, with individual evaluation of the treatment options. The first randomized controlled trial of treatment for TR yielded a win ratio of 1.48 (95% confidence interval, [1.06; 2.13]) for interventional treatment (edge-to-edge repair) compared to optimal medical therapy. As the understanding of tricuspid regurgitation improves, strategies for its interventional treatment are undergoing steady development, with the aim of lowering the mortality of this condition.

New Therapeutic Advances in the Management of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is an intricate disorder that has a negative outlook, while surgical treatment is linked to increased mortality. Primary TR occurs due to a structural defect in the tricuspid valve (TV), while secondary TR is a more prevalent condition often associated with pulmonary hypertension, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. The use of specific surgical procedures to improve TR is limited in everyday clinical practice due to the heightened surgical risk and delayed patient presentation. The development of other transcatheter heart valve procedures has led to a significant increase in transcatheter TV operations, which can be attributed to certain technological advancements. This review aims to provide an updated overview of transcatheter TV procedures, available alternative therapies, and standards for patient selection. It will also highlight the current state of development in this field, which is characterized by rapid progress and numerous ongoing clinical trials.

Modified Clover Technique Using Automated Suture Placement and Securing Technology in a Passive Beating Heart Model.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a prevalent finding in echocardiography and in case of severe disease is associated with impaired patient outcome. Clover repair offers a surgical solution that can be applied for the treatment of primary and secondary TR. An ex vivo passive beating porcine heart model was created to test a modified clover technique using automated suturing devices and to compare this approach to standard ring annuloplasty. Secondary TR was induced in 10 porcine hearts and the backflow of fluid was assessed. The primary endpoint of this study was regurgitant volume measured in mL at the site right atrial cannula. The baseline regurgitation was 43.3 ± 10.8 mL. The mean regurgitant volume was significantly reduced after all repair procedures to 22.2 ± 5.9 mL with isolated ring annuloplasty, 12 ± 3.9 mL with the modified clover, and 7.6 ± 3.4 mL with the combined procedure (p < 0.0001). The modified clover technique shows how to effectively reduce TR in an ex vivo model. This method may be suitable to facilitate tricuspid repair, especially for totally endoscopic valve surgery.

Clinical aspects and treatment of tricuspid valve regurgitation

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) leading to right heart failure is prevalent and associated with increased mortality. The significant under-recognition of the disease resulted from insufficient medical therapies and the high associated risk of surgical therapy. Over the last decade there has been a rapid development of interventional treatment options so that the disease has increasingly become the focus of attention of specialists in internal medicine and interventional cardiologists. The etiology of TR is differentiated into primary TR, secondary atrial TR, secondary ventricular TR and TR associated with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). The TR was identified as an independent predictor of mortality, independent of associated diseases such as atrial fibrillation, left-sided heart failure or pulmonary hypertension. Even patients with low to moderate TR have asignificantly increased risk of mortality. Early diagnostics and estimation of the severity by echocardiography as well as timely referral to atertiary heart valve center are decisive in order to evaluate possible treatment options before irreversible right ventricular damage and secondary organ dysfunction occur. For transcatheter edge-to-edge repair and transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement there is now first evidence from randomized controlled studies. While the understanding of TR is continuously improving, new tricuspid valve repair and replacement systems are in a state of steady progress. Whether the treatment has an effect on reduction of the mortality and stabilization of right ventricular failure with a reduction in hospitalization, will first be shown in future studies.

Right Ventricular Dysfunction in Patients With Concomitant Tricuspid Regurgitation Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation.

This study investigated the impact and predictive factors of concomitant significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and evaluated the roles of right ventricle (RV) function and the etiology of TR in the clinical outcomes of patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). We assessed grading of TR severity, TR etiology, and RV function in pre- and post-TAVI transthoracic echocardiograms for 678 patients at Keio University School of Medicine. TR etiology was divided into 3 groups: primary TR, ventricular functional TR (FTR), and atrial FTR. The primary outcomes were all-cause and cardiovascular death. At baseline, moderate or greater TR was found in 55 (8%) patients and, after adjustment for comorbidities, was associated with increased all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR] 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19-3.77; P=0.011) and cardiovascular death (HR 2.29; 95% CI 1.06-4.99; P=0.036). RV dysfunction (RVD) also remained an independent predictor of cardiovascular death (HR 2.06; 95% CI 1.03-4.14; P=0.042). Among the TR etiology groups, patients with ventricular FTR had the lowest survival rate (P<0.001). Patients with persistent RVD after TAVI had a higher risk of cardiovascular death than those with a normal or recovered RV function (P<0.001). The etiology of TR and RV function play an important role in predicting outcomes in concomitant TR patients undergoing TAVI.

Outcomes of Concomitant Maze Procedure in Tricuspid Repair for Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

We aimed to analyze the impact of concomitant Maze procedure on the clinical and rhythm outcomes, and echocardiographic parameters in tricuspid repair for patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients who had severe TR and persistent AF and underwent tricuspid valve (TV) repair were included in the study. Both primary TR and secondary TR were included in the current study. The study population was stratified according to Maze procedure. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE) at 15 years post-surgery. Propensity-score matching analyses was performed to adjust baseline differences. Three hundred seventy-one patients who underwent tricuspid repair for severe TR and persistent AF from 1994 to 2021 were included, and 198 patients (53.4%) underwent concomitant Maze procedure. The maze group showed 10-year sinus rhythm (SR) restoration rate of 55%. In the matched cohort, the maze group showed a lower cumulative incidence of cardiac death (4.6% vs. 14.4%, P = 0.131), readmission for heart failure (8.1% vs. 22.2%, P = 0.073), and MACCE (21.1% vs. 42.1%, P = 0.029) at 15 years compared to the non-maze group. Left atrial (LA) diameter significantly decreased in the maze group at 5 years (53.3 vs. 59.6 mm, P < 0.001) after surgery compared to preoperative level, and there was a significant difference in the change of LA diameter over time between the two groups (P = 0.013). The Maze procedure during TV repair in patients with severe TR and persistent AF showed acceptable SR rates and lower MACCE rates compared to those without the procedure, while also promoting LA reverse remodeling.

Atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Abstract Introduction Recently, a novel entity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) – atrial functional TR, which is caused by enlargement of the right atrium – has gained in awareness. In comparison, ventricular functional TR occurs in the setting of left heart disease with pulmonary hypertension and subsequent enlargement of the right ventricle. While it could be demonstrated that in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), an improvement of moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can be observed in many patients, knowledge about the association between entity and improvement of TR is scarce. Purpose The aim of this study was to analyse if atrial functional TR, defined by the enlargement of the right atrium is associated with the persistence of TR after TAVR in patients with severe AS and at least moderate concomitant TR at baseline. Moreover, 3-year all-cause mortality in patients with atrial and ventricular TR was assessed. Methods We retrospectively examined 363 patients with at least moderate tricuspid regurgitation undergoing TAVR from January 2013 to December 2020 due to severe AS. Patients with primary TR, a history of tricuspid valve surgery or with TAVR due to severe aortic regurgitation were excluded. Endsystolic area of the right atrium (RA) and enddiastolic area of the right ventricle (RV) were assessed in transthoracic echocardiography and atrial TR was defined as RA/RV area ratio above the median value of 1.125. Results TR improvement of at least one grade after transcatheter aortic valve replacement was significantly less frequent in patients with atrial compared to patients with ventricular TR (29.2% vs. 60.3%, p &amp;lt; 0.001, Figure 1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction, Vena contracta and CT-determined tricuspid annulus diameter confirmed that atrial functional TR was an independent predictor for absence of TR improvement after TAVR (adjusted odds ratio: 3.03, 95% CI 1.65-5.64; p&amp;lt;0.001). Moreover, improvement of TR was associated with a significantly lower 3-year all-cause mortality compared to patients with persistence of TR (log rank test p&amp;lt;0.001, Figure 2A). However, no difference could be observed regarding 3-year all-cause mortality between patients with atrial and ventricular TR (log-rank test p=0.500, Figure 2B). Conclusion In patients undergoing TAVR for severe AS and at least moderate concomitant TR, atrial functional TR is an independent predictor for TR persistence. In addition, TR persistence is associated with increased 3-year all-cause mortality.Figure 1:Development of TR after TAVRFigure 2:3-year all-cause mortality

Characteristics and outcomes of patients with atrial versus ventricular secondary tricuspid regurgitation undergoing tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair-Results from the TriValve registry.

Functional or secondary tricuspid regurgitation (STR) is the most common phenotype of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) with atrial STR (ASTR) and ventricular STR (VSTR) being recently identified as two distinct entities. Data on tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (T-TEER) in patients with STR according to phenotype (i.e. ASTR vs. VSTR) are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess characteristics and outcomes of patients with ASTR versus VSTR undergoing T-TEER. Patients with STR undergoing T-TEER were selected from the Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Therapies (TriValve) registry. ASTR was defined by (i) left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, (ii) atrial fibrillation, and (iii) systolic pulmonary artery pressure <50 mmHg. Patients not matching these criteria were classified as VSTR. Patients with primary TR and cardiac implantable electronic device were excluded. Key endpoints included procedural success and survival at follow-up. A total of 298 patients were enrolled in the study: 65 (22%) with ASTR and 233 (78%) with VSTR. Procedural success was similar in the two groups (80% vs. 83% for ASTR vs. VSTR, p = 0.56) and TEER was effective in reducing TR in both groups (from 97% of patients with baseline TR ≥3+ to 23% in ASTR and to 15% in VSTR, all p = 0.001). At 12-month follow-up, survival was significantly higher in the ASTR versus VSTR cohort (91% vs. 72%, log-rank p = 0.02), with VSTR being an independent predictor of mortality at multivariable analysis (hazard ratio 4.75). In a real-world, multicentre registry, T-TEER was effective in reducing TR grade in both ASTR and VSTR. At 12-month follow-up, ASTR showed better survival than VSTR.

Abstract 16252: A Survival Analysis in Patients With Tricuspid Regurgitation and Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Introduction: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a well established treatment in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. It involves simultaneous pacing of the left and right ventricles to restore ventricular synchrony, leading to increased cardiac output and contractility. The impact of CRT on tricuspid regurgitation (TR) severity has not been evaluated. Studies have shown that up to 22% of CRT recipients have significant TR, and of these patients only 41% will improve to no or mild TR. For a majority of patients who have persistent significant TR despite CRT, long term outcomes are put into question. Hypothesis: Tricuspid regurgitation adversely affects the response and survival of CRT patients. Goals: To analyze the prevalence of TR in a cohort of patients admitted to The Christ Hospital who have undergone CRT. To assess the association between TR after CRT and long-term survivability. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati Ohio. 13292 patients diagnosed with tricuspid regurgitation (mild to severe) in total were included. 184 of these patients underwent CRT, and survival probability was measured against the no CRT group. Kaplan meier method was used for analysis. Results: Survival probabilities at 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years for patients with CRT = 0.769, 0.661, and 0.558 respectively. Patients without CRT = 0.911, 0.863, and 0.826 respectively. Hazard ratio = 2.84 (2.33, 3.47) compared to solely tricuspid regurgitation. Conclusions: Patients with TR without CRT had greater survival rates up to three years compared to TR with CRT. The risk of death in the TR with CRT was 2.84 times higher than the no CRT group. It can be further investigated why the no CRT group had a greater survival rate than CRT. Limitations include variable assessments of TR due to the subjective nature of grading TR. Future research could investigate the difference between primary (device-related) and secondary TR in this cohort.

Management of severe tricuspid valve regurgitation due to ruptured papillary muscle in a patient with mediastinitis early after heart transplant.

Even though severe tricuspid regurgitation is not uncommon after cardiac transplantation, primary severe tricuspid regurgitation is rare. We present such a case with additional complexities. The patient was 44-year-old man with a HeartWare durable left ventricular assist device (Heartware Inc) who received a temporary right ventricular assist device (RVAD) with a ProtekDuo cannula (LivaNova Inc USA) for refractory ventricular fibrillation and underwent a heart transplant as United Network for Organ Sharing Status 1, in the presence of partially compensated cardiogenic shock, renal failure. Given complex re-operative surgery in a volume-overloaded patient with unknown pulmonary vascular resistance, an RVAD cannula was preserved and re- inserted during cardiac transplant. Postoperatively he required hemodialysis, had severe primary tricuspid regurgitation discovered after RVAD removal and developed Enterobacter mediastinitis. He underwent complex tricuspid valve repair for flail tricuspid leaflet due to ruptured papillary muscle likely due to RVAD cannula injury, after multiple mediastinal washouts and was followed by delayed chest reconstruction. The patient is doing well, 6 months after discharge to home, asymptomatic, without re-admissions, on renal recovery path, with no tricuspid regurgitation and good biventricular function. Replacing the tricuspid valve in presence of hemodialysis catheter, immunosuppression and mediastinitis could be high risk for endocarditis. Even though we have short-term follow-up, tricuspid valve repair can be an effective way of managing primary severe regurgitation especially when there is a desire or need to avoid valve replacement.

Is it real that no idiopathic tricuspid regurgitation anymore after atrial tricuspid regurgitation regarded as a distinct entity?

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background We have recently found that idiopathic tricuspid regurgitation (TR) had unique characteristics after a systemic approach to strictly define it. Atrial TR has been proposed that TR caused by right atrial dilatation related to the atrial fibrillation and without other causes of TR. Some researchers suggested idiopathic TR was no longer existed. Methods We retrospectively recruit 978 subjects with significant (moderate and severe) TR during a period of 9 months. We carefully evaluated their echocardiography images and divided these subjects into different type of TR according to a step-by-step systemic approach which we have developed. The characteristics of these TR were compared. Results After a step-by-step diagnostic approach, we found that there were 105 subjects with primary TR (10.7%), 76 (7.8%) pacemaker or other intracardiac instrumentation related, 388 (39.7%) left heart disease related, 32 (3.3%) congenital heart disease related, 160 (16.3%) pulmonary hypertension related, 7 (0.7%) right ventricular myopathy, and 210 (21.5%) idiopathic TR. Among idiopathic TR, 81 (38.6%) men, mean age 74.4 ± 14.0 years, 35 (16.7%) severe TR, and 82 (39%) atrial fibrillation. Compared to the idiopathic TR in sinus rhythm, subjects with atrial fibrillation had older age (78.1 ± 10.4 vs. 72.0 ± 13.9 years, p = 0.001), more severe TR (32 vs. 7 %, p &amp;lt;0.001), higher pulmonary artery pressure (43.5 ± 9.8 vs. 38.9 ± 7.9 mmHg, p = 0.001), less fractional area fraction of right ventricle (44.9 ± 13.3 vs. 51.1 ± 10.8 %, p = 0.001), larger tricuspid annulus (3.4 ± 0.7 vs. 2.8 ± 0.6 cm, p &amp;lt;0.001), and large right atrial area (23.2 ± 7.6 vs. 13.6 ± 4.5 cm2, p &amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion There were only 39% atrial TR among idiopathic TR in our study. Many significant TR subjects without other causes were still in sinus rhythm with smaller annulus and right atrial size. Even atrial TR do a distinct entity, there are still have TR subjects without any obvious causes (idiopathic TR).

Mild Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Marker of Disease Burden Independently Associated with Increased Mortality

Introduction: Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common finding which appears to be associated with a worse prognosis. There are conflicting data regarding the prognostic impact of mild TR. We examined the clinical characteristics and echocardiographic properties of subjects with TR and its impact on clinical outcome with particular emphasis on subjects with mild TR. Methods: Consecutive echocardiography examinations during 5 years were evaluated for TR severity and outcome including mortality and cardiovascular hospitalizations. Results: The study included 21,429 subjects; 45% of the subjects had mild TR, 15% had moderate TR, and 6.5% had severe TR. Primary organic TR was evident in 7% of the subjects, a percentage that increased with increasing TR severity. TR severity was incrementally associated with older subjects with an increasing number of comorbidities and echocardiographic abnormalities. 29% of the subjects died at a median follow-up duration of 8.7 years. Increasing severity of TR was independently and incrementally associated with mortality. Subjects with mild TR had a 25% increased mortality rate compared to subjects with minimal TR (HR 1.25, 95% CI: 1.12–1.39, p < 0.001) after adjustment for significant clinical parameters. TR severity was also an independent incrementally graded predictor of cardiovascular hospitalization and mortality (mild TR: HR 1.23, 95% CI: 1.12–1.34, p < 0.001). Conclusions: TR is associated with older and sicker patients with numerous comorbidities. TR severity is a predictor of a worse clinical outcome. Mild TR was independently associated with decreased survival. TR should be considered a marker of a disease burden with a poor prognosis.

Isolated tricuspid regurgitation: a new entity to face. Prevalence, prognosis and treatment of isolated tricuspid regurgitation.

In recent years the tricuspid is no longer considered the "forgotten valve," but nowadays, specialists focused the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) especially at the time of left heart valve (LHV) surgery, overlooking the emerging entity of isolated TR. Its incidence appears to be rising along with the higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF), intracardiac devices and intravenous drug users. Hence, the aim of the present review is to summarize the available evidences in terms of natural history, clinical presentation and treatment of isolated TR. Tricuspid regurgitation is commonly classified into primary and secondary etiology. Primary or organic TR is relatively uncommon (10%) and may be due to either acquired or congenital diseases. Conversely, secondary or functional TR, caused by dilatation and flattening of the tricuspid annulus along with increase of leaflet tethering due to the remodeling of the right ventricle (RV) has become in last decade an emerging entity. Secondary TR may be due grade progression after left heart valve surgery, to previous TV surgery failure, RV remodeling or permanent AF. Primary TR causes pure volume overload on initially normal right-sided cardiac chambers. Conversely, RV enlargement is the major finding of secondary TR; RV systolic area, RV spherical index and right atrial area were identified as independent factors correlated with TV tethering height. The RV has less muscle mass than the left ventricle, and RV systolic function is therefore more load sensitive. Thus, pulmonary hypertension results in an early fall in RV ejection fraction and associated RV enlargement. An interesting entity is isolated TR related to AF, whose prevalence is estimated to be 14% in recent studies. It is known to cause dilation of the mitral and tricuspid annulus, together with changes in the dynamic mechanisms that govern the variation in area size during the cardiac cycle; as a matter of fact the relative change in TA area was significantly lower in AF (13.5%) than in sinus rhythm (SR) (33.1%). In isolated TR, medical therapy (MT) is indicated only in patients with secondary TR having also severe RV/LV dysfunction or severe pulmonary hypertension. Diuretics are the main MT in case of isolated TR in the presence of right HF in carefully selected candidates, surgery can be performed safely with good long-term survival and it should be considered early at first stages. In the treatment of isolated TR we had two diametrically opposed approaches so far, such as medical therapy, based almost exclusively on diuretics, and surgical therapy. In this scenario, trans-catheter approach is gaining momentum, including repair or replacement treatment. The former sees the use of devices for direct or indirect annuloplasty, or leaflet approximation. The second consists of orthotopic or heterotopic replacement devices (transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement devices). Evidences from randomized studies and longer follow-up will help clarify the best patient selection and treatment strategies.