Leaflet Of Tricuspid Valve Research Articles

Displacement of all three leaflets of tricuspid valve: A rare variant of Ebstein anomaly

Ebstein anomaly, a rare congenital heart disease, is defined as displacement of hinge points of septal or posterior tricuspid leaflets but not anterior leaflet. Here, we report the case of a 35‐year‐old woman with an extremely rare pattern of Ebstein anomaly (EA) with all three tricuspid leaflets displaced downward to the apex.

Help Wanted: New Options for Tricuspid Valve Repair

We refer to the tricuspid as the “forgotten valve,” and when the results of repair are reviewed, one can understand why surgeons want to forget it1 because of frequent recurrent tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Recurrent moderate or more functional TR is frequently in a range similar to the results with mitral repair with functional mitral regurgitation.2 Most treated TR is functional related to left-sided valve disease and is treated with a suture, band, or ring annuloplasty. Patch enlargement of the anterior tricuspid valve leaflet has been described but is time consuming and not easily reproducible.

Layer Microdissection of Tricuspid Valve Leaflets for Biaxial Mechanical Characterization and Microstructural Quantification.

The tricuspid valve (TV) regulates the unidirectional flow of unoxygenated blood from the right atrium to the right ventricle. The TV consists of three leaflets, each with unique mechanical behaviors. These variations among the three TV leaflets can be further understood by examining their four anatomical layers, which are the atrialis (A), spongiosa (S), fibrosa (F), and ventricularis (V). While these layers are present in all three TV leaflets, there are differences in their thicknesses and microstructural constituents that further influence their respective mechanical behaviors. This protocol includes four steps to elucidate the layer-specific differences: (i) characterize the mechanical and collagen fiber architectural behaviors of the intact TV leaflet, (ii) separate the composite layers (A/S and F/V) of the TV leaflet, (iii) carry out the same characterizations for the composite layers, and (iv) perform post-hoc histology assessment. This experimental framework uniquely allows the direct comparison of the intact TV tissue to each of its composite layers. As a result, detailed information regarding the microstructure and biomechanical function of the TV leaflets can be collected with this protocol. Such information can potentially be used to develop TV computational models that seek to provide guidance for the clinical treatment of TV disease.

Functional improvement following direct interventional leaflet repair of severe tricuspid regurgitation.

AimsSeveral new percutaneous tricuspid repair systems have recently been introduced as new treatment options for severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Clinical improvement following percutaneous tricuspid valve leaflet repair has been demonstrated by recent studies. A possible impact on exercise capacity has not yet been reported.Methods and resultsEleven patients with at least severe TR and successful tricuspid leaflet repair using the PASCAL Ace implant at our cardiology department were included in this analysis. All patients suffered from symptomatic right‐sided heart failure with compromised exercise capacity. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and 3 months follow‐up. The primary endpoint was the change in maximal oxygen consumption [VO2 max (mL/(min*kg))] at 3 months follow‐up. Secondary endpoints included improvement in TR, cardiac biomarkers, and other clinical outcomes. TR severity at 3 months follow‐up post‐PASCAL Ace implantation was significantly lower than at baseline (P = 0.004). Cardiac biomarkers including high‐sensitivity troponin T and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide as well as right ventricular diameter improved slightly without reaching statistical significance (P = 0.89, P = 0.32, and P = 0.06, respectively). PASCAL Ace implantation resulted in a significant improvement in cardiopulmonary exercise capacity at 3 months follow‐up compared with baseline. Mean VO2 max improved from 9.5 ± 2.8 to 11.4 ± 3.4 mL/(min*kg) (P = 0.006), VO2 max per cent predicted from 42 ± 12% to 50 ± 15% (P = 0.004), peak oxygen uptake from 703 ± 175 to 826 ± 198 mL/min (P = 0.004), and O2 pulse per cent predicted from 67 ± 21% to 81 ± 25% (P = 0.011). Other CPET‐related outcomes did not show any significant change over time.ConclusionsIn this single‐centre retrospective analysis, direct tricuspid valve leaflet repair using the transcatheter PASCAL Ace implant system was associated with a reduced TR severity and improved cardiopulmonary exercise capacity.

A case of double‐chambered right ventricle due to cap‐like fibrous tissue and aberrant chordal insertion of tricuspid valve in adult

A double-chambered right ventricle is a rare congenital heart disease where an anomalous structure divides the right ventricle into two cavities. A 78-year-old man with dyspnea was referred to our institution for a double-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) and ventricular septal defect (VSD). Echocardiography showed normal left ventricular function, right ventricular hypertrophy, and mild tricuspid regurgitation. On parasternal short-axis views, color-flow Doppler studies showed a mosaic pattern through the stenotic right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT). Cardiac catheterization showed a 122 mmHg pressure gradient between the high-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber of the RVOT. Computed tomography showed a cap-like structure consisting of fibrous tissue, with moderate stenosis, which divided the right ventricle into two cavities. The aberrant tendinous chords supporting the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve were found inserted into the anterior wall of the RV (Figure 1). Resection of the cap-like fibrous tissue and abnormal muscle (Figure 2), detachment of aberrant tendinous chords of the tricuspid valve, closure of VSD by direct suture, and tricuspid valve plasty (TVP) were performed. TVP was achieved using an artificial chordae replacement with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (CV-5) suture and a 32-mm Physio Tricuspid annuloplasty ring (Edwards Lifeline). Postoperative echocardiography revealed no RVOT pressure gradient and a normal right ventricular pressure of 21 mmHg. In conclusion, we report a rare case of DCRV secondary to a cap-like structure fibrous tissue with anomalous chordal insertion of a tricuspid valve leaflet.

Benchtop Characterization of the Tricuspid Valve Leaflet Pre-Strains

Benchtop Characterization of the Tricuspid Valve Leaflet Pre-Strains

Unguarded Tricuspid Orifice with Congenitally Corrected Transposition of the Great Arteries and Aortic Atresia- A Highly Unusual Case

Unguarded tricuspid orifice is a very rare anomaly. It is characterised by the absence of one or more of the tricuspid valve leaflets resulting in severe tricuspid regurgitation and right heart failure. It is rarely an isolated anomaly but more often associated with pulmonary atresia and intact ventricular septum. When the ventricles are inverted however, the result of outflow tract obliteration is not pulmonary atresia, but aortic atresia. This anomaly has been described in the literature in only 2 cases so far. We present a case of a neonate with unguarded tricuspid orifice with absence of all tricuspid leaflets, congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and aortic atresia. The severe tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular enlargement would have required a Norwood-like procedure combined with a right ventricular plication. Due to the complexity of this lesion no surgical therapy was attempted in consent with the parents.

Segmentation of Tricuspid Valve Leaflets From Transthoracic 3D Echocardiograms of Children With Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome Using Deep Learning.

Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) is a severe congenital heart defect in which the right ventricle and associated tricuspid valve (TV) alone support the circulation. TV failure is thus associated with heart failure, and the outcome of TV valve repair are currently poor. 3D echocardiography (3DE) can generate high-quality images of the valve, but segmentation is necessary for precise modeling and quantification. There is currently no robust methodology for rapid TV segmentation, limiting the clinical application of these technologies to this challenging population. We utilized a Fully Convolutional Network (FCN) to segment tricuspid valves from transthoracic 3DE. We trained on 133 3DE image-segmentation pairs and validated on 28 images. We then assessed the effect of varying inputs to the FCN using Mean Boundary Distance (MBD) and Dice Similarity Coefficient (DSC). The FCN with the input of an annular curve achieved a median DSC of 0.86 [IQR: 0.81–0.88] and MBD of 0.35 [0.23–0.4] mm for the merged segmentation and an average DSC of 0.77 [0.73–0.81] and MBD of 0.6 [0.44–0.74] mm for individual TV leaflet segmentation. The addition of commissural landmarks improved individual leaflet segmentation accuracy to an MBD of 0.38 [0.3–0.46] mm. FCN-based segmentation of the tricuspid valve from transthoracic 3DE is feasible and accurate. The addition of an annular curve and commissural landmarks improved the quality of the segmentations with MBD and DSC within the range of human inter-user variability. Fast and accurate FCN-based segmentation of the tricuspid valve in HLHS may enable rapid modeling and quantification, which in the future may inform surgical planning. We are now working to deploy this network for public use.

310 Ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm as a rare cause of sisto-diastolic murmur: role of multimodality imaging in diagnosis and surgical planning

Abstract A 27-year-old man had an incidental finding of sisto-diastolic murmur during a screening medical evaluation. Transthoracic and subsequent transesophageal echocardiography revealed a saccular enlargement of non-coronary (NC) sinus of Valsalva. The aneurysm extended into the right atrium (RA) and presented a large wall discontinuity, with continuous sisto-diastolic flow from the aorta to the right atrium. Computed tomography confirmed the findings and excluded other associated abnormalities. The patient underwent urgent surgical intervention. Intraoperatively, findings reported a floppy and cribrose saccular aneurysm sprouting from the NC sinus inside the RA. The correction turned out to be very challenging due to the close connection between the aneurysmal wall and the tricuspid valve (TV) and aortic valve (AV) annuli. The aortic NC sinus was excised and replaced with a Dacron patch. Damaging of the TV septal leaflet required repair through a consolidating suture involving the septal leaflet of TV and the corresponding annular insertion. AV replacement was also needed due to damage of the AV NC cusp. No complications occurred during the postoperative stay. Histopathology revealed severe atrophy of muscular and elastic fibres of the aortic wall, elastic fiber fragmentation, replacement fibrosis and extensive deposition of mucopolysaccharides. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SoVA) is a rare condition characterized by an enlargement of the aortic root between the aortic valve and the sinotubular junction. SoVA can be either congenital, as a consequence of weakness of the elastic lamina, or acquired, due to infective, degenerative, or traumatic conditions. A prevalence of 0.09% was described in autopsy series and males are more frequently affected. Acute rupture of SoVA requires emergent surgery because of acute life-threatening haemodynamic instability. Congenital and chronic ruptured SoVA could be asymptomatic. Nevertheless, such incidental finding requires urgent surgical correction due to the possibility of unexpected further rupture, generating massive left-right shunt. The close relationship with nearby anatomical structures is a major issue which should be taken into account. In this perspective multimodality imaging is of paramount importance, allowing for a fine surgical planning and avoidance of complications.

145 Prognostic value of three-dimensional echocardiographic assessment of tricuspid valve geometry in atrial and ventricular functional tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract Aims Atrial and ventricular functional tricuspid regurgitation (A-FTR and V-FTR) have recently emerged as different phenotypes of FTR. Given the difference in mechanisms that are postulated to be underlying these two entities, a different remodelling of tricuspid valve (TV) apparatus can occur and therefore also a specific quantitative approach could be deemed. Moreover, considered the known limitation of the two-dimensional flow convergence method (2D-PISA) for quantifying FTR in advanced valve apparatus remodelling with irregular effective valve orifice (ERO) morphology, it would be expected that also the parameters of severity of FTR can be different in these two types of FTR. The aim of this study was to investigate the TV apparatus remodelling in the two different phenotypes of FTR: ventricular (V-FTR) and atrial (A-FTR) and the role of echocardiographic parameters of TV remodelling and TR severity to predict clinical outcomes. Methods and results The present retrospective study included consecutive patients with moderate to severe functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) referred for echocardiography in two Italian centres. The composite endpoint of death for any cause and heart failure (HF) hospitalization was used as primary outcome of this analysis. According to more recent guidelines, patients were considered having A-FTR if having history of long-standing atrial fibrillation, without history of pulmonary hypertension and left side heart disease. A total of 180 patients were included. Despite the right atrial volume (RAV) was not different in the two groups, in A-FTR tethering height was significantly lower (11.7 ± 4.8 mm vs. 15.0 ± 5.5 in V-FTR. P < 0.01) and the 3D-derived tricuspid annulus (TA) diameters were larger both in end-diastolic and mid-systolic phase (3D-TA-End diastolic-major axis: 45.2 ± 6.2 mm in A-FTR vs. 42.8 ± 5.4 in V-FTR. P = 0.04; 3D-TA mid systolic major axis: 41.7 ± 6.4 mm in A-FTR vs. 37.9 ± 5.1 in V-FTR, P < 0.01). 3D-TA-End diastolic-minor axis: 39.7 ± 6.8 vs. 37.1 ± 5.2. P = 0.03. Regarding the parameters of severity of FTR, patients with V-FTR had larger vena contracta (VC), either when 2D estimated or 3D (2D-VC-average: 5.3 ± 2.8 mm in A-FTR vs. 6.6 ± 3.7 in V-FTR. P = 0.02; 3D-VCA: 0.9 ± 0.4 cm2 vs. 1.3 ± 1.1 cm2, P = 0.02); conversely the value of 2D-ERO and regurgitant volume estimated with 2D-PISA method did not show significant difference between the two groups. After a median follow-up of 24 months (IQR: 2–48) 72 patients (40%) reached the primary endpoint and 64 (36%) hospitalized for HF. Different predictors of combined endpoint were found in the two groups: tenting height. 2D-VC. 3D-VCA and regurgitant fraction were prognostic correlates in V-FTR; TA dimensions as well as all the parameters of severe TR, including EROA with PISA method were related to the prognosis in A-FTR. Conclusions Different TV remodelling occurs in patients with A- and V-FTR, having the second more pronounce tethering of TV leaflets; the prognostic role of quantitative parameters of FTR in these two groups is different, thus reaffirming: (1) the limitation of PISA method without correction in case of more pronounced tenting of leaflets; (2) the difference in underlying pathogenic mechanisms; and (3) the needing for a more specific diagnostic approach and prognostic stratification in these two FTR phenotypes.

Abstract 13922: Association Between Quadrileaflet Tricuspid Valve and Location of Regurgitation Jet Origin in Patients With Functional Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation

Introduction: It has been known that the posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve (PTL) has several indentations or clefts in its free edge, giving the tricuspid valve (TV) equal to or more than four leaflets appearance. However, little is known about whether the indentations or clefts can be a location of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) jet origin in severe TR. Hypothesis: This study aimed to investigate the association between quadrileaflet TV and location of TR jet origin in patients with functional severe TR. Methods: We retrospectively studied 85 functional severe TR patients who underwent 3D transesophageal echocardiography which was performed using the EPIQ7 ultrasound system with a X8-2t probe (Philips Medical Systems). The morphology of the TV leaflets was ascertained using 3D volume-rendered images. Clefts extending over 50% of the depth of the leaflets were determined as a landmark between 2 adjacent leaflets. The location of TR jet origin and vena contracta area (VCA) were ascertained using real-time 3D color Doppler images. All images were analyzed by using QLAB 3D quantification software (Philips Medical Systems). Results: In 85 functional severe TR patients, a total of 3 (4%) patients with bileaflet, 60 (71%) patients with trileaflet and 22 (26%) patients with quadrileaflet were identified. All quadrileaflet TV had dichotomous PTLs (PTL 1 and PTL 2) and there was no patient who had equal to or more than five leaflets. In 22 patients with quadrileaflet, 10 (45%) patients showed TR jet origin located between PTL 1 and PTL 2 (Figure A). Also, quadrileaflet TV patients with TR jet origin located between PTL 1 and PTL 2 had significantly larger VCA than those without (185 vs. 62 mm2, P<0.001, Figure B). Conclusions: In patients with functional severe TR, one fourth patients showed quadrileaflet TV morphology. Furthermore, TR jet origin located between PTL 1 and PTL 2 can be seen only in a condition of TR beyond severe.

Neonatal Rupture of the Tricuspid Valve and Maternal Lupus: Is There a Correlation?

Valve dysfunction is not widely recognized as a feature in newborns born to mothers with positive anti-Ro/SSA antibodies, and only scarce reports have suggested an association between rupture of the atrioventricular valve tensor apparatus and these maternal antibodies. We report the follow-up from fetal life to the time of postnatal surgery of a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation due to a flail of the anterior tricuspid valve leaflet who was born to an anti-Ro/SSA antibodies positive mother.

An Abnormal Echocardiogram and Telemetry Tracing in a Late Preterm Infant.

An Abnormal Echocardiogram and Telemetry Tracing in a Late Preterm Infant.

Determination of a Strain Energy Density Function for the Tricuspid Valve Leaflets Using Constant Invariant-Based Mechanical Characterizations.

The tricuspid valve (TV) regulates the blood flow within the right side of the heart. Despite recent improvements in understanding TV mechanical and microstructural properties, limited attention has been devoted to the development of TV-specific constitutive models. The objective of this work is to use the first-of-its-kind experimental data from constant invariant-based mechanical characterizations to determine a suitable invariant-based strain energy density function (SEDF). Six specimens for each TV leaflet are characterized using constant invariant mechanical testing. The data is then fit with three candidate SEDF forms: (i) a polynomial model-the transversely isotropic version of the Mooney-Rivlin model, (ii) an exponential model, and (iii) a combined polynomial-exponential model. Similar fitting capabilities were found for the exponential and the polynomial forms (R2=0.92-0.99 versus 0.91-0.97) compared to the combined polynomial-exponential SEDF (R2=0.65-0.95). Furthermore, the polynomial form had larger Pearson's correlation coefficients than the exponential form (0.51 versus 0.30), indicating a more well-defined search space. Finally, the exponential and the combined polynomial-exponential forms had notably smaller but more eccentric model parameter's confidence regions than the polynomial form. Further evaluations of invariant decoupling revealed that the decoupling of the invariant terms within the exponential form leads to a less satisfactory performance. From these results, we conclude that the exponential form is better suited for the TV leaflets owing to its superb fitting capabilities and smaller parameter's confidence regions.

Prognostic impact of different parameters of right ventricular systolic function in patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation. A cardiac magnetic resonance study

Abstract Background Right ventricle (RV) dysfunction represent an established criteria 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. Novel measures of RV function such as RV longitudinal shortening (RV-LS) and effective RV ejection fraction (eRVEF) may be earlier markers of RV dysfunction. Purpose To compare the prognostic impact of conventional and novel parameters of RV systolic function. Methods Consecutive patients in stable clinical condition evaluated in the Heart Valve Clinic with significant TR (severe, massive or torrential TR) undergoing a CMR study were included. In addition to conventional parameters of biventricular volume and function, RV-LS and eRVEF were assessed as novel parameters of RV function. RV-LS was assessed in the 4-chamber view by measuring the displacement of the tricuspid annulus during the cardiac cycle. The length between the epicardial border of the LV apex and the middle of a line connecting the origins of the tricuspid valve leaflets was measured in both end-systole and end-diastole. Effective RVEF (eRVEF) is a measure of RV global systolic function but corrected by TR volume. Both formulas are represented in figure 1. A combined endpoint of hospital admission due to right heart failure and cardiovascular mortality was defined Results 75 patients were included in this study (age 75±8 years, 75% female, 91% functional TR) During a median follow-up of 3 years (IQR: 1.4–3.9 years), 39% of the patients (n=29) experienced the combined endpoint. RV-LS and eRVEF identified higher rates of RV dysfunction than RVEF. RV-LS of ≥−14% and eRVEF of ≤34% were associated with impaired prognosis (figure 2). After adjustment of age and LVEF, both eRVEF (adjusted HR per abnormal value: 5.29 95% CI, [2.25–12.4]) and RV-LS (adjusted HR per abnormal value: 3.46, 95% CI, [1.13–9.17]) were significantly associated with outcomes. Among all parameters of RV function, eRVEF was the strongest predictor of outcomes, incremental to RVEF (Δ C-statistic 0.139 [0.040–0.237], p=0.005). Conclusion RV function is crucial for determining optimal timing for TR intervention. RV-LS and eRVEF identify higher rates of RV dysfunction beyond RVEF. Among all measures of RV function, eRVEF held the strongest association with outcome, incremental to RVEF. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Figure 1. RV-LS and eRVEF calculationFigure 2. Kaplan Meier Curves

Prenatal Diagnosis of Ebstein Anomaly in a Centre with Limited Resources: A Potential Pitfall

BACKGROUND: Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac malformation characterized by varying degrees of downward displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets into the cavity of the right ventricle. The pathophysiology varies with the degree of valvular malfunction, the size, and contractility of the right ventricle, and the presence of obstruction within the right ventricular outflow tract. An early diagnosis makes worse the often prognosis. Fetal echocardiography is a useful tool for the diagnosis of congenital heart disease including the Ebstein anomaly which shows a wide spectrum of ultrasonographic manifestations and, sometimes it can be difficult to make a true prenatal diagnosis. CASE REPORT: Here, we describe a unique case of an Ebstein anomaly in 26 weeks of gestation fetus through prenatal echocardiographic evaluation. Fetus was suspected as a severe form of the Ebstein anomaly, with a severe form of right atrium enlargement, huge tricuspid insufficiency, and hypoplastic pulmonary artery. The atrial septum, dimensions of cardiac structures, left and right cardiac output, and Doppler interrogation of cardiac flows were examined. CONCLUSION: This case study presents a well-documented case of Ebstein’s anomaly type D that was diagnosed prenatally using fetal echocardiography.

Reverse remodeling of tricuspid valve morphology and function in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patients following pulmonary thromboendarterectomy: a cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and invasive hemodynamic study

BackgroundTo investigate changes in tricuspid annulus (TA) and tricuspid valve (TV) morphology among chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) patients before and 12 months after pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PEA) and compare these findings to normal control subjects.Methods20 CTEPH patients and 20 controls were enrolled in the study. The patients were examined with echocardiography, right heart catherization and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging prior to PEA and 12 months after.ResultsRight atrium (RA) volume was significantly reduced from baseline to 12 months after PEA (30 ± 9 vs 23 ± 5 ml/m2, p < 0.005). TA annular area in systole remained unchanged (p = 0.11) and was comparable to controls. The leaflet area, tenting volume and tenting height in systole were significantly increased at baseline but decreased significantly with comparable values to controls after 12 months (p < 0.005). There was correlation between the changes of right ventricular-pulmonary artery coupling and changes of TV tenting height (r = − 0.54, p = 0.02), TV tenting volume (r = − 0.73, p < 0.001) and TV leaflet area (− 0.57, p = 0.01) from baseline to 12 months after PEA. Tricuspid regurgitation jet area/RA area was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced from baseline (30 ± 13%) to 12 months after PEA (9 ± 10%).ConclusionIn CTEPH patients selected for PEA, TV tenting height, volume and valve area are significantly increased whereas annulus size and shape are less affected. The alterations in TV morphology are fully reversed after PEA and correlates to improvements of right ventricular-pulmonary arterial coupling.

Multiparametric Approach for the Assessment of Mechanical Prosthetic Tricuspid Leaflet Function

There is a lack of comprehensive echocardiographic data to allow discrimination of normal versus abnormal mechanical prosthetic tricuspid valve (MPTV) leaflet function. The identification of such parameters is essential to optimize diagnostic and therapeutic measures. The authors investigated bileaflet MPTV function by comparing transthoracic echocardiographic data from 21 episodes of leaflet dysfunction due to valve thrombosis in 12 patients with data from 56 individuals with normal MPTV function. All episodes of dysfunction were confirmed by transesophageal echocardiography and/or cine fluoroscopy. Transthoracic echocardiography-derived two-dimensional, color, and spectral Doppler variables, including MPTV peak early diastolic velocity (E velocity), mean gradient, pressure half-time, time-velocity integral (TVI) of the MPTV, ratio of TVIMPTV to TVI of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) and TVI of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), and continuity-derived effective orifice area, were measured in both groups. Most episodes of MPTV dysfunction resulted from simultaneous involvement of both leaflets (57%), with leaflet(s) often immobilized in the open or semiopen position (71%). Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography performed similarly in detecting abnormal leaflet motion (90% vs 88%, P=.68), whereas transesophageal echocardiography was better in identifying MPTV thrombosis (31% vs 14%, respectively, P=.01). Color Doppler demonstrated flow propagation abnormalities in 67% of episodes of leaflet dysfunction but not in the control group (P<.0001). Doppler variables associated with MPTV leaflet dysfunction included E velocity > 1.6m/sec, mean gradient > 5mm Hg, PHT > 157 msec, TVIMPTV > 42cm, TVIMPTV/TVILVOT > 2.3, TVIMPTV/TVIRVOT > 3.0, and continuity-derived effective orifice area ≤ 1.1cm2, with most variables showing high and similar accuracy (area under the curve ≥ 95%). This study represents the first comprehensive echocardiographic assessment of MPTV leaflet dysfunction that provides parameters and criteria to distinguish normal versus abnormal prosthetic valve function.

Initial Experience With the PASCAL Ace Implant System for Treatment of Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

[Figure: see text].

An echocardiographic finding mimicking tricuspid atresia in a neonate with dilated cardiomyopathy.

We report a neonate with dilated cardiomyopathy and have echocardiographic findings consistent with "functional" tricuspid atresia. There was an echo-bright, plate-like tissue at the tricuspid valve position with no forward flow across it. This report underscores the role of right ventricle intracavitary haemodynamic influence on the tricuspid valve leaflet excursion and demonstrates a phenomenon of "pseudo or functional tricuspid atresia" mimicking tricuspid atresia in a patient with acute presentation of cardiomyopathy.