Overview
Tricuspid valve disorder, primarily manifesting as tricuspid regurgitation (TR), is a significant valvular heart disease prevalent in Western industrialized nations, affecting approximately 14.8% of the general population with at least mild severity 1. It disproportionately impacts women and elderly individuals, often complicating the clinical picture of right heart failure and contributing to increased morbidity and mortality 1. Severe TR is particularly concerning, associated with heightened risks of mortality and worsening heart failure 467. Given the high operative risk in many affected patients due to advanced age and comorbidities, transcatheter edge-to-edge tricuspid valve repair (T-TEER) has emerged as a viable minimally invasive alternative to surgical interventions 8910. Understanding and managing tricuspid valve disorders is crucial in day-to-day practice to mitigate adverse outcomes and improve patient quality of life 18.Pathophysiology
Tricuspid valve disorders, especially regurgitation, often stem from structural abnormalities such as annular dilation, leaflet dysfunction, or chordal rupture 123. Annular dilation, frequently secondary to right ventricular dilation from left-sided heart disease, leads to leaflet tethering and incompetence 34. Leaflet pathology can include degeneration, calcification, or prolapse, further exacerbating regurgitation 56. These structural changes disrupt normal coaptation of the valve leaflets, resulting in blood flow leakage backward into the right atrium during ventricular systole 7. Over time, this chronic regurgitation can lead to right ventricular dysfunction, volume overload, and subsequent right heart failure, highlighting the cascading effects from valve dysfunction to systemic hemodynamic compromise 89.Epidemiology
Tricuspid regurgitation affects about 0.55% of the general population, with prevalence notably increasing with age, impacting approximately 4% of patients aged 75 years or older 4. This translates to significant numbers, such as about 1.6 million people in the United States and 3 million in Europe with clinically relevant TR 45. Women and older adults are disproportionately affected, with higher incidence rates observed in these groups 13. Trends indicate an increasing recognition and reporting of tricuspid valve disorders, likely due to advancements in diagnostic imaging and a growing awareness of its clinical significance 14.Clinical Presentation
Patients with tricuspid valve disorders often present with symptoms of right heart failure, including peripheral edema, ascites, hepatic congestion, and jugular venous distension 17. Typical symptoms may also encompass fatigue, dyspnea, and exercise intolerance 8. Atypical presentations can include syncope, palpitations, and signs of anemia due to chronic blood loss or malnutrition 9. Red-flag features include sudden worsening of symptoms, unexplained weight loss, or signs of infection, which may indicate complications such as endocarditis or device-related issues 1011. Prompt recognition of these clinical signs is crucial for timely intervention.Diagnosis
The diagnostic approach for tricuspid valve disorders involves a combination of clinical assessment, echocardiography, and sometimes invasive hemodynamic evaluation 112. Specific criteria and tests include:Management
Medical Management
Interventional Management
Refractory Cases
Complications
Prognosis & Follow-Up
The prognosis for patients with tricuspid valve disorders varies widely based on the severity of TR and the effectiveness of intervention. Key prognostic indicators include right ventricular function, presence of comorbidities, and response to treatment 4142. Recommended follow-up intervals typically include:Special Populations
Key Recommendations
References
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