Tricuspid regurgitation

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Prab R. Tumpati, MD — Editor-in-Chief, WikiMD Medical Encyclopedia
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Tricuspid regurgitation
Synonyms	TR, tricuspid insufficiency
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fatigue, swelling of the abdomen, legs, or neck veins
Complications	Heart failure, atrial fibrillation
Onset	Can be congenital or acquired
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Rheumatic fever, endocarditis, congenital heart defect, pulmonary hypertension
Risks	Rheumatic heart disease, intravenous drug use, carcinoid syndrome
Diagnosis	Echocardiography, Doppler ultrasound
Differential diagnosis	Mitral regurgitation, aortic regurgitation
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Diuretics, surgery (e.g., tricuspid valve repair or replacement)
Medication	Diuretics, vasodilators
Prognosis	Varies, depends on underlying cause and severity
Frequency	Common in people with heart disease
Deaths	N/A

A condition where the tricuspid valve does not close properly

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a disorder of the heart in which the tricuspid valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the right atrium when the right ventricle contracts. This condition can lead to various symptoms and complications if left untreated.

Causes

Tricuspid regurgitation can be caused by several factors, including:

• Rheumatic fever
• Infective endocarditis
• Congenital heart defects, such as Ebstein's anomaly
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Right ventricular dilation

Symptoms

Symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation may include:

• Fatigue
• Swelling of the abdomen or legs (edema)
• Pulsing in the neck veins
• Ascites
• Hepatomegaly

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tricuspid regurgitation typically involves:

• Echocardiography
• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Chest X-ray
• Cardiac MRI

Treatment

Treatment options for tricuspid regurgitation depend on the severity of the condition and may include:

• Diuretics to reduce fluid retention
• Surgery to repair or replace the tricuspid valve
• Management of underlying conditions such as pulmonary hypertension

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with tricuspid regurgitation varies based on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

Images

Echocardiographic image of Ebstein's anomaly, a congenital cause of tricuspid regurgitation

See also

• Tricuspid valve
• Heart valve disease
• Ebstein's anomaly

References

• Otto, C. M., & Bonow, R. O. (2017). Valvular Heart Disease: A Companion to Braunwald's Heart Disease. Elsevier Health Sciences.
• Zoghbi, W. A., et al. (2017). Recommendations for Noninvasive Evaluation of Native Valvular Regurgitation. Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography, 30(4), 303-371.