Primary Tricuspid Regurgitation Research Articles

Etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and management of tricuspid regurgitation: an overview.

Significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a common finding, affecting about one in twenty-five subjects among the elderly and presenting more frequently in women than in men. This review summarizes data concerning etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology and management strategies of TR. The tricuspid valve (TV) has a broad anatomical variability. Classically, TR has been distinguished as primary and secondary or functional TR (FTR), with the latter being the most prevalent. FTR is a multifactorial disorder, resulting from maladaptive right ventricular remodeling secondary to pulmonary hypertension or from atrial fibrillation leading to dilation of the right atrium, tricuspid annulus and base of the right ventricle, with pathological TV coaptation. Thus two main types of FTR can be identified: pulmonary hypertension-FTR and idiopathic-FTR, depending on which factor, ventricular or atrial respectively, is the primum movens of the disease. Appreciable evidence suggests that significant TR leads to worsening prognosis regardless of the underlying etiology and should be addressed as a separate therapeutic target. The treatment of TR in patients undergoing left-sided cardiac surgery is well established. Isolated surgical repair of TR is instead rarely performed because patients are often deemed inoperable due to prohibitive risk. Besides, perioperative mortality remains higher than for any other valve. Several transcatheter TV replacement and repair systems, the latter mostly borrowed from percutaneous treatment systems of mitral regurgitation or from TV repair surgical techniques, have shown efficacy and safety when used on the TV. These could provide an effective treatment option for patients not eligible for surgery.

Prognostic factors of morbidity-mortality of isolated tricuspid valve surgery (ITVS)

Moderate and severe TR is a prognostic marker of mortality independently from right ventricular dysfunction, pulmonary hypertension and left ventricular dysfunction. The survival benefit of ITVS is controversial. The aim of this study is to define the clinical and paraclinical criteria associated with morbidity-mortality of ITVS. We conducted a single-centre, retrospective study of 69 patients who underwent an ITVS at Marseille University Hospital from 2008 to 2018. Combined left-heart surgery and congenital cardiopathy were excluded. The primary outcome (PO) is composite including death and rehospitalization for acute decompensated heart failure within a year after surgery. Nineteen patients were treated for secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (15 TR following left-sided valvulopathy and 4 TR caused by chronic atrial fibrillation (AF)). Forty-four had an operation for primary TR (36.5% of total TR were endocarditis). Mean patient follow-up was 44.5 months. Thirty-seven % of patients with secondary TR met the PO versus 9% of others ( P = 0.011). Preoperative signs of chronic right heart failure (NYHA, congestive signs, anaemia and hyponatremia) were significantly linked with our PO. Right ventricular systolic pressure collected by preoperative right heart catheterization was a marker of unfavourable postoperative prognosis, confirmed by multivariate analysis ( P = 0.006). Survival was worse for secondary TR (two years after surgery, 50% of patients with secondary TR were still alive and had not been readmitted versus 75% of others, P = 0.01). Isolated surgery of functional TR, whether caused by pulmonary hypertension secondary to left heart disease or due to right atrial dilatation (linked to AF) without a downstream obstacle, had a high morbidity-mortality risk in the short-term. Right heart catheterization may help in targeting high-risk surgical patients with secondary TR for percutaneous treatment.

Prognostic Role of Hepatorenal Function Indexes in Patients With Ebstein Anomaly

BackgroundHepatorenal dysfunction is a risk factor for mortality in patients with chronic tricuspid regurgitation due to acquired heart disease. Ebstein anomaly is the most common cause of primary tricuspid regurgitation in adults with congenital heart disease, but the prevalence and prognostic implications of hepatorenal dysfunction are unknown in this population. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors and prognostic implications of hepatorenal dysfunction, as measured primarily by the use of model for end-stage liver disease excluding international normalized ratio (MELD-XI score), as well as looking at other associated factors. MethodsThis was a retrospective study of adults with Ebstein anomaly who received care at Mayo Clinic from 2003 to 2018. ResultsOf 692 patients, the median MELD-XI score was 10.2 (interquartile range: 9.4 to 13.3); 53 (8%) died and 3 (0.4%) underwent heart transplant. MELD-XI was an independent predictor of death/transplant (hazard ratio: 1.32; 95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 2.06; p < 0.001). In the subset of patients with serial MELD-XI scores (n = 416), temporal change in MELD-XI score (ΔMELD-XI) was also a predictor of death/transplant. In the subset of patients who underwent tricuspid valve surgery (n = 344), a post-operative improvement in MELD-XI score (ΔMELD-XI) was associated with improved long-term survival. Impaired right atrial (RA) reservoir strain and elevated estimated RA pressure were associated with worse baseline MELD-XI and ΔMELD-XI scores. ConclusionsHepatorenal dysfunction is a predictor of mortality in Ebstein anomaly, and RA dysfunction and hypertension are hemodynamic biomarkers that can identify patients at risk for deterioration in hepatorenal function and mortality. These data highlight the prognostic importance of noncardiac organ-system dysfunction, and provide complementary clinical risk stratification metrics for management of these patients.

Abstract 12929: Pacemaker Lead-induced Tricuspid Regurgitation in Patients With or Without RV Dilatation

Introduction: Right ventricular (RV) leads of permanent pacemakers (PM) contribute or cause tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in up to 45% of implantations, which is associated with poor outcome. While primary lead-induced TR has its origin in direct interaction of the lead and the valve, secondary lead-induced TR has its origin in RV dilatation (RVD). Hypothesis: We hypothesize differences in lead-induced TR and its associated mortality comparing patients with vs. without RVD. Methods: Patients with first implantation of a cardiac PM with at least one transtricuspid RV-lead between May 2000 and April 2015 were retrospectively included. Echo was performed before and after PM implantation. Results: In total, 990 patients were enrolled (Table 1). Patients with RVD had progression of TR of at least one grade in 50.2%, compared to 35.9% in patients without RVD (p&lt;0.001). In a multivariate regression model, independent predictors for lead-induced progression of TR were RVD (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01-2.12, p=0.045), and moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (OR 1.51, 95%CI 1.12-2.02, p=0.006). Independent predictors for 10-year-mortality were lead-induced progression of TR (HR 1.36, 95%CI 1.04-1.78, p=0.023), age &gt; 80 years (HR 2.78, 95%CI 2.14-3.61, p&lt;0.001), PM with single RV-lead (HR 1.35, 95%CI 1.03-1.77, p=0.032), heart failure (HR 1.75, 95%CI 1.32-2.32, p&lt;0.001), chronic kidney disease (HR 1.61, 95%CI 1.24-2.09, p&lt;0.001), moderate/severe mitral regurgitation (HR 1.31, 95%CI 1.03-1.74, p=0.031), and LVEDD &gt; 25mm/m2 (HR 1.37, 95%CI 1.06-1.77, p=0.015). Conclusions: RVD is associated with lead-induced progression of TR, which is associated with decreased survival. Patients with RVD and indication for a PM, leadless pacing could be an alternative. If lead-induced TR occurs, transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention is a possibility, especially in patients with RVD.

Pacemaker lead-induced progression of primary vs. secondary tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract Background Currently no data are available whether the implantation of right ventricular (RV) pacemaker (PM) lead worsens preexisting primary or secondary (functional due to RV dilatation, RVD) tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Purpose The aim of the present retrospective analysis was to assess TR after PM implantation with a RV lead. Methods Patients with PM implantation (n=990) were enrolled if they had routine echocardiography including assessment of TR before first implantation and immediately after. RVD and severity of TR were characterized visually. Based on RVD in baseline echocardiography, patients were divided into 2 groups: with primary TR (without preexisting RVD, n=743) or secondary TR (with preexisting RVD, n=243). Results Lead-induced worsening of TR was present in both groups (Table 1). Progression from mild/moderate to severe TR was observed in 6.7% of patients with primary TR, compared to 25.6% of patients with secondary TR (P=0.001). Using an ordinal regression model, the probability to progress to severe TR with primary TR was 14.8% (95% CI 11.0%-19.7%), compared to 41.6% (95% CI 40.3%-42.8%) with secondary TR (P&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion Preexisting secondary TR was associated with higher rates of lead-induced progression to severe TR compared to primary TR. Leadless pacing or tricuspid valve clipping post-PM implantation could be an option for patients with preexisting secondary TR and indication for a PM. Table 1. Patient characteristics. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – EU funding. Main funding source(s): This study was supported by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Future and Emerging Technologies Programme [Grant number 732170].

Tricuspid regurgitation: long-term management, morbidity and mortality

Abstract Introduction The natural history of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is poorly known and its morbi-mortality has been rarely described. Objectives Several causes lead to the appearance of TR. The aim of our study was to assess the prognosis of our patients taking into account the etiology and severity of their valvulopathy. We also wanted to evaluate the income-free survival. Methods We designed a bi-centre (including a tertiary-level hospital and a secondary hospital), descriptive and retrospective study that included 745 patients with at least moderate-to-severe TR who had not had any previous cardiac surgery for this pathology. Once patients were selected, clinical characteristics (age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors) as well as associated pathology, readmissions because of heart failure and mortality were evaluated. Results 745 patiens were included in the study (70.7% women) from the year 2002 to the 2017. The age average was 72.28 years old (in a range of 16–97). The obtained frequency of primary TR (caused by an abnormality of any of the components of the TV apparatus) was 6.4%, secondary TR (due left-sided valvular and myocardial diseas, Pulmonary hypertension or increased RV afterload) was 67.6%, related to AF 19% and isolated TR 7%. After a long follow-up (global median survival 51.51 months) only 62 patients received surgical treatment. Figures 1–4 show survival curves depending on etiology. Figure 5 compares survival curves depending on sex characteristics. Conclusions TR (moderate-to-severe or more) was associated with poor outcomes from the beginning of the follow-up. This poor clinical prognosis was observed in all ethiological groups analyzed and in both genders. Survival curves Tricuspid Regurgitation Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): Sociedad Andaluza de Cardiología

Earlier surgery improves long-term survival compared to class I surgical indications and infective endocarditis surgery for isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract Background Isolated tricuspid surgery has markedly higher mortality rates (9–10%) in contemporary national registries compared to other single-valve operations. The optimal timing and indications remain controversial, and earlier surgery before developing ESC guidelines class 1 indications may improve the survival for isolated severe tricuspid regurgitation. Purpose We aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) surgery by indication. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing isolated tricuspid valve surgery for TR without other concomitant valve surgery at Cleveland Clinic from 2004 to 2019 were studied. Indications were divided into group 1: ESC guidelines class 1 (severe symptomatic TR), group 2: infective endocarditis, and group 3: non-class 1 (asymptomatic severe TR with or without right ventricular dilation and/or dysfunction) and no endocarditis, for comparative analyses of characteristics and outcomes. Results The study included 207 patients (group 1: 115, group 2: 48 and group 3: 44) with mean age 54.1±17.8 years, 116 (56.0% females and 151. Tricuspid repair was performed in 72.9% (73.0%, 66.7% and 79.5% for Groups 1–3, P=0.381). Group 3 patients were younger, had higher prevalence of primary TR, lower prevalence of heart failure, atrial fibrillation, chronic lung disease, cirrhosis, renal impairment, right ventricular and left ventricular dysfunction than Group 1. Overall operative mortality rates were 4.9% ( group 1: 7.0%, group 2: 4.2% and group 3: 0.0%), while mortality during follow-up of 3.3±4.0 years was lower for group 3 than for groups 1 or 2 (Figure 1). Independent predictors of long-term mortality were Group 1 compared to Group 3 and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate. Conclusion Patients without class I or endocarditis indications had superior unadjusted and adjusted survival compared to those with these indications. The high mortality rate of isolated TR surgery may be reduced by both earlier surgery and being performed at an experienced cardiac surgery center. Figure 1. Kaplan-Meier survival curves Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Foundation. Main funding source(s): National Heart Foundation of New Zealand - Overseas Clinical and Research Fellowship

Evaluation and Management of Primary Tricuspid Regurgitation

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a highly prevalent echocardiographic finding in general population being present in almost 80% to 90% of them. However, TR is mild or functional rather than organic in majority of people. Significant TR was seen in 14.8% of adult men and 18.4% of adult women, respectively. Of all the significant TRs, approximately 8% to 10% are primary. Mild TR is benign but moderate-to-severe TR tends to progress and carries significant morbidity and mortality. Tricuspid valve disease is either primary or secondary (functional) in nature. Valve leaflets are predominantly diseased in primary TR, whereas annular dilatation is the main culprit in secondary TR. Of all the heart valves, tricuspid valve was the most neglected valve till a decade ago, though there was enough evidence to show that moderate to severe TR was not as benign as was assumed. With the availability of 2-dimensional echocardiography (2D echo) and transesophageal echocardiography, we are able to diagnose and determine the severity as well as etiology of TR. Although surgical therapy remains the gold standard for severe primary tricuspid valve disease, it continues to suffer from one of the highest morbidity and mortality rates among all cardiac valve-related surgeries even in the hands of experienced surgeons. For the same reason, majority of patients are not referred or subjected to surgical therapy. Therefore, there is an unmet need for less invasive and safer form of therapy to overcome this hurdle. So, several less-invasive and innovative technologies for treating patients with severe tricuspid valve disease at high surgical risk are being developed. Some of them have already been used for treatment of severe mitral regurgitation. They are being adopted for the treatment of severe TR. This review provides a comprehensive picture of newer guidelines and latest technologies and their impact on diagnosis and outcome of high-risk TV disease.

Three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic evaluation of tricuspid regurgitation severity using proximal isovelocity surface area: comparison with volumetric method

BackgroundThe quantification of tricuspid regurgitation(TR) using three-dimensional(3D) proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) derived effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) is feasible in functional TR. The aim of our study was to explore the diagnostic accuracy and utility of 3D PISA EROA in a larger population of different etiologies.MethodsOne hundred and seven patients with confirmed TR underwent 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). 3D PISA EROA was calculated and EROA derived from 3D regurgitant volume (Rvol) was used as the reference.Results3D PISA EROA showed better correlation in primary TR than in functional TR(r = 0.897, P < 0.01). 3D PISA EROA differentiated severe TR with comparable accuracy in patients with primary and functional etiology (Z-value 16.506 vs 21.202), but with different cut-offs (0.49cm2 vs. 0.41 cm2). The chi-square value for incorporated clinical symptoms, positive echocardiographic results and 3D PISA EROA to grade severe TR was higher than only included clinical symptoms or incorporated clinical symptoms and positive echocardiographic results (chi-square value 137.233, P < 0.01).ConclusionTR quantification using 3D PISA EROA is feasible and accurate under different etiologies. It has incremental diagnostic value for evaluating severe TR.

New insights of tricuspid regurgitation: a large-scale prospective cohort study

To evaluate the burden of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in a large cohort, determine the right ventricle involvement of patients with TR and determine the characteristics of isolated TR. Prospective study where consecutive patients undergoing an echocardiographic study in 10 centres were included. All studies with significant TR (at least moderate) were selected. We considered that patients with one of pulmonary systolic hypertension >50 mmHg, left ventricular ejection fraction <35%, New York Heart Association III-IV, or older than 85 years, had a high surgical risk. A total of 35088 echocardiograms were performed. Significant TR was detected in 6% of studies. Moderate TR was found in 69.6%, severe in 25.5%, massive in 3.9%, and torrential in 1.0% of patients. Right ventricle was dilated in 81.7% of patients with massive/torrential TR, in 55.9% with severe TR, and in 29.3% with moderate TR (P < 0.001). Primary TR was present in 7.4% of patients whereas secondary TR was present in 92.6%. Mitral or aortic valve disease was the most common aetiology (54.6%), following by isolated TR (16%). Up to 51.9% of patients with severe, massive, or torrential primary TR and 57% of patients with severe, massive, or torrential secondary TR had a high surgical risk. Significant TR is a prevalent condition and a high proportion of these patients have an indication for valve intervention. More than a half of patients with severe, massive, or torrential TR had a high surgical risk. Massive/torrential TR may have implications regarding selection and monitoring patients for percutaneous treatment.

Outcomes After Tricuspid Valve Repair With Ring Versus Suture Bicuspidization Annuloplasty

Ring annuloplasty (Ring) and suture bicuspidization annuloplasty (Suture-bicuspidization) are 2 techniques for tricuspid valve repair. With the emergence of transcatheter tricuspid valve repair technologies that mimic these conventional surgical techniques, we compared their midterm outcomes and longitudinal echocardiographic profiles. From 2002 to 2016, 650 patients underwent tricuspid valve repair (324 Ring and 326 Suture-bicuspidization) for primary or functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Concomitant aortic valve, mitral valve, or coronary artery bypass graft procedures were included but tricuspid valve replacement, concomitant aortic procedures, heart transplantation or ventricular assist device placement procedures were excluded. Tricuspid valve event-free survival was estimated using Kaplan-Meier competing risk analysis. Freedom from TR recurrence (defined as at least moderate TR) and freedom from tricuspid valve reoperation were also assessed. There were no statistical differences in terms of age, gender, and most baseline comorbidities (P >.05). In-hospital outcomes also did not significantly differ between groups (P > .05). However, Suture-bicuspidization was associated with significantly lower tricuspid valve event-free survival, and freedom from TR recurrence and tricuspid valve reoperation compared with Ring at 1, 5, and 8 years (all P < .05). After adjusting for significant confounders, Suture-bicuspidization continued to be associated with significantly decreased tricuspid valve event-free survival (hazard ratio= 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.4). The superiority of Ring over Suture-bicuspidization annuloplasty for tricuspid valve repair appeared to be evident in terms of event-free survival and freedom from tricuspid valve insufficiency and reoperation. These findings raise concern in the context of emerging transcatheter technologies that mimic the bicuspidization technique.

P303 Characteristics and prognosis of patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements none Background Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) usually remains asymptomatic for a long period, and the diagnosis is often delayed, at an advanced stage of right heart failure (RHF). Only a minority of patients are referred to surgery. Purpose To describe the characteristics and prognosis according to aetiologies of patients with significant TR. Methods Two hundred and eight consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe (grade III) or severe (grade IV) TR were included from echocardiography reports between 2013 and 2017. Median follow-up was 18(6-38) months. Results Patients (mean age 75 years, 46.6% males) were divided into 4 groups according to TR aetiology, group 1: primary TR (15%), group 2: TR secondary to left heart or pulmonary disease with a history of left heart valve surgery (24.5%), group 3: TR secondary to left heart disease with no history of left valvular surgery (26.4%) and group 4: idiopathic TR (34.1%). During follow-up, 61 patients (29%) experienced at least one decompensation of RHF requiring hospitalization. Only 11 patients (5.3%) underwent tricuspid valve surgery during follow-up. The 4 years survival was much lower than the expected survival of age- and sex-matched individuals of the general population (56 ± 4%vs74%). After adjustment for outcome predictors, patients with idiopathic TR had a higher risk of mortality (adjusted HR = 1.83[1.05-3.21]; p = 0.034) compared to other groups. Conclusions Moderate-to-severe and severe TR is associated with a high risk of hospitalization for RHF and death at 4 years and a low rate of surgery. Idiopathic TR is associated with worse outcome than other etiologies Abstract P303 Figure. SURVIVAL CURVES

Characteristics and prognosis of patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) usually remains asymptomatic for a long period, and the diagnosis is often delayed, at an advanced stage of right heart failure (RHF). Only a minority of patients are referred to surgery. To describe the characteristics and prognosis according to aetiologies of patients with significant TR. Two hundred and eight consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe (grade III) or severe (grade IV) TR were included from echocardiography reports between 2013 and 2017. Median follow-up was 18(6-38) months. Patients (mean age 75 years, 46.6% males) were divided into 4 groups according to TR aetiology, group 1: primary TR (15%), group 2: TR secondary to left heart or pulmonary disease with a history of left heart valve surgery (24.5%), group 3: TR secondary to left heart disease with no history of left valvular surgery (26.4%) and group 4: idiopathic TR (34.1%). During follow-up, 61 patients (29%) experienced at least one decompensation of RHF requiring hospitalization. Only 11 patients (5.3%) underwent tricuspid valve surgery during follow-up with a perioperative mortality of 36%. The 4 years survival was much lower than the expected survival of age- and sex-matched individuals of the general population (56 ± 4% vs. 74%). After adjustment for outcome predictors, patients with idiopathic TR had a higher risk of mortality (adjusted HR = 1.83 [1.05–3.21]; P = 0.034) compared to other groups ( Fig. 1 ). Moderate-to-severe and severe TR is associated with a high risk of hospitalization for RHF and death at 4 years and a low rate of surgery. Idiopathic TR is associated with worse outcome than other etiologies.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Tricuspid Regurgitation Location and Severity Using Vena Contracta Analysis: A Color Doppler Three-Dimensional Transesophageal Echocardiographic Study

The clinical significance of three-dimensional (3D) vena contracta area (VCA) in tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of 3D VCA using 3D echocardiography-derived regurgitation volume as a reference standard. One hundred sixteen patients with at least moderate TR underwent two-dimensional transthoracic and color Doppler 3D transesophageal echocardiography. The 3D vena contracta, which was located at the narrowest neck of the TR jet just above and toward the right atrial side of the flow convergence zone, was assessed for TR location and severity. As for TR location, patients with severe functional TR had the highest prevalence of central jet location among TR subgroups, whereas patients with severe primary TR showed a greater spatial extent of TR jet location involved compared with the moderate TR group (P<.05 for both). As for TR severity, a 3D VCA cutoff value of 0.61cm2 discriminated severe TR with sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 97% in the total patient population (area under the curve=0.93, P<.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that 3D VCA, a dilated right ventricle, and hepatic vein systolic reversal were independently associated with regurgitant volume (P<.001 for all). The χ2 value for the model that incorporated clinical and two-dimensional integrative parameters and 3D VCA > 0.61cm2 to evaluate severe TR was significantly higher than that for the model that incorporated only clinical and two-dimensional integrative parameters (P=.001). Three-dimensional VCA has independent and incremental diagnostic value for evaluating severe TR. Comprehensive evaluation of TR location and severity using 3D vena contracta analysis may help in treatment selection for TR.

Characteristics and prognosis of patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) usually remains asymptomatic for a long period, and the diagnosis is often delayed until an advanced stage of right heart failure (RHF). Only a minority of patients are referred for surgery. To describe the characteristics and prognosis of patients with significant TR, according to aetiology. Two-hundred and eight consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe (grade III) or severe (grade IV) TR were included from echocardiography reports between 2013 and 2017. Median follow-up was 18 (6-38) months. Patients (mean age 75 years; 46.6% men) were divided into four groups according to TR aetiology: group 1, primary TR (14.9%); group 2, TR secondary to left heart disease with a history of left heart valve surgery (24.5%); group 3, TR secondary to left heart or pulmonary disease with no history of left valvular surgery (26.5%); and group 4, idiopathic TR (34.1%). During follow-up, 61 patients (29.3%) experienced at least one episode of RHF decompensation requiring hospitalization. Only 11 patients (5.3%) underwent tricuspid valve surgery during follow-up. The 4-year survival was much lower than the expected survival of age- and sex-matched individuals in the general population (56±4% vs. 74%). After adjustment for outcome predictors, patients with idiopathic TR had a higher risk of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 1.83, 95% confidence interval 1.05-3.21; P=0.034) compared with other groups. Moderate-to-severe or severe TR is associated with a high risk of hospitalization for RHF and death at 4 years, and a low rate of surgery. Idiopathic TR is associated with worse outcome than other aetiologies.

Characteristics and prognosis of patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) usually remains asymptomatic for a long period, and the diagnosis is often delayed, at an advanced stage of right heart failure (RHF). Only a minority of patients are referred to surgery. We aim to describe the characteristics and prognosis according to aetiologies of patients with significant TR. Two hundred and eight consecutive patients with moderate-to-severe (grade III) or severe (grade IV) TR were included from echocardiography reports between 2013 and 2017. Median follow-up was 18(6–38) months. Patients (mean age 75 years, 46.6% males) were divided into 4 groups according to TR aetiology, group 1: primary TR (15.4%), group 2: TR secondary to left heart disease with a history of left heart valve surgery (24.5%), group 3: TR secondary to left heart disease with no history of left valvular surgery (26%) and group 4: idiopathic TR (34.1%). During follow-up, 61 patients (29%) experienced at least one decompensation of RHF requiring hospitalization. Only 11 patients (5.3%) underwent tricuspid valve surgery during follow-up with a perioperative mortality of 36%. The 4 years survival was much lower than the expected survival of age- and sex-matched individuals of the general population (56 ± 4% vs. 74%). After adjustment for outcome predictors, patients with idiopathic TR had a higher risk of mortality (adjusted HR = 1.83[1.05–3.21]; P = 0.034) compared to other groups. Moderate-to-severe and severe TR is associated with a high-risk of hospitalization for RHF and death at 4 years and a low rate of surgery. ( Fig. 1 Idiopathic TR is associated with worse outcome than other etiologies)

Analyses for Prevalence and Outcome of Tricuspid Regurgitation in China: An Echocardiography Study of 134,874 Patients

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and outcome of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in the Chinese population. Methods: The echocardiography database, including 134,874 patients at our heart center from 2010 to 2012, was retrospectively analyzed. Results: The rates of mild, moderate, and severe TR were 2.96, 2.22, and 1.39%, respectively. Of these patients, 4.86% had primary TR, 91.41% had functional TR, and 3.73% had unexplained TR. The rate of TR was increased in elders (odds ratio: 1.038 for 1 year’s increment; 95% confidence interval: 1.037–1.040; p < 0.001) and females (odds ratio: 1.386; 95% confidence interval: 1.327–1.448, p < 0.001). The major etiologies of TR were left-sided valve heart disease (VHD) and dilated cardiomyopathy. The survival rate of severe TR patients with pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) was lower than in those without PAH (p < 0.0001). There was a positive association between the prevalence of TR and impaired left ventricular ejection fraction. Compared to the non-left-sided VHD group, the left-sided VHD group had a better prognosis among severe TR patients. The 5-year survival rates were 79.69, 71.12, and 77.01% in the groups of left-sided VHD, non-left-sided VHD, and all patients. Conclusions: Patients with severe TR have a bad prognosis, especially those with non-left-sided VHD and those with PAH.

Multi-Modality Imaging in the Evaluation and Treatment of Tricuspid Regurgitation.

The goal of this review is to cover the epidemiology of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), anatomy of the tricuspid valve (TV), and the mechanisms and modern treatment of TR. The focus will be on the role of echocardiography, cardiac CT, and MRI to determine the mechanism, severity, and management strategies of TR. The evaluation and management of TR is a rapidly growing field with significant advances in both imaging and interventions. Important advances have been made to understand TV anatomy and physiology in 3D echo, CT, and MRI. Additional understanding of the abnormal outcomes in both primary TR and secondary TR have been appreciated. Multiple transcatheter devices have reached the stage of early trials in high surgical risk cohorts with favorable initial findings. TR is a significant cardiovascular problem and vastly undertreated in the present era. There has been tremendous growth in knowledge of mechanisms of TR, its prognostic implications, timing of intervention, and development of novel treatment strategies. Multimodality imaging plays a key role in evaluation and treatment of this condition.

Prognostic Usefulness of Tricuspid Annular Diameter for Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Tricuspid Regurgitation of Moderate to Severe Degree

Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is frequently encountered. Current guidelines recommend the surgical correction of severe TR only at the time of left valve surgery despite emphasizing the enlarged tricuspid annulus (TA) dimension. We attempted to evaluate the relation between TA dimension and clinical outcomes of moderate or severe TR. A total of 213 patients (mean age 68 years, women 68%) with moderate or severe TR secondary to left-sided valve surgery, nonvalvular disease, or isolated primary TR were retrospectively identified and classified into tertiles of TA dimension. Cardiovascular (CV) outcomes were defined as a composite of hospitalization for worsening heart failure (HF), stroke, and CV death over a median follow-up of 3.4 years. Upper and lower tertiles of TA dimension had high frequencies of left-sided valve surgery and isolated primary TR, respectively. TA dimension was correlated with TR severity assigned as color Doppler grade and systolic tissue Doppler imaging of the tricuspid valve (TDI s'). During follow-up, there were 87 (41%) occurrences of primary outcomes: 65 HFs (31%), 13 CV deaths (6%), and 9 strokes (4%). There was a high frequency of adverse outcomes in the upper tertile. TA dimension and TDI s' were independently related to outcomes. An enlarged TA dimension was associated with outcomes irrespective of subgroups according to type or severity of TR and TDI s' (p = 0.21, p = 0.77, p = 0.15 for interaction). A cut-off value of 4.0 cm for TA dimension was best for CV event occurrence. When assessing clinical CV outcomes, TA dimension should be considered, even in moderate TR.

Management of tricuspid valve regurgitation: Position statement of the European Society of Cardiology Working Groups of Cardiovascular Surgery and Valvular Heart Disease.

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a very frequent manifestation of valvular heart disease. It may be due to the primary involvement of the valve or secondary to pulmonary hypertension or to the left-sided heart valve disease (most commonly rheumatic and involving the mitral valve). The pathophysiology of secondary TR is complex and is intrinsically connected to the anatomy and function of the right ventricle. A systematic multimodality approach to diagnosis and assessment (based not only on the severity of the TR but also on the assessment of annular size, RV function and degree of pulmonary hypertension) is, therefore, essential. Once considered non-important, treatment of secondary TR is currently viewed as an essential concomitant procedure at the time of mitral (and, less frequently, aortic valve) surgery. Although the indications for surgical management of severe TR are now generally accepted (Class I), controversy persists concerning the role of intervention for moderate TR. However, there is a trend for intervention in this setting, especially at the time of surgery for left-sided heart valve disease and/or in patients with significant tricuspid annular dilatation (Class IIa). Currently, surgery remains the best approach for the interventional treatment of TR. Percutaneous tricuspid valve intervention (both repair and replacement) is still in its infancy but may become a reliable option in future, especially for high-risk patients with isolated primary TR or with secondary TR related to advanced left-sided heart valve disease.