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6.8: Tricuspid Stenosis

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    42758
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    Tricuspid stenosis (TS) is most commonly of rheumatic origin and combined with tricuspid regurgitation. The anatomical characteristics are similar to those of mitral stenosis, including fibrous leaflet thickening and fusion and shortening of the subvalvular apparatus. The preponderance of cases is in young women. Other etiologies of right atrial obstruction are rare and include congenital tricuspid atresia, right atrial tumors and carcinoid syndrome

    The normal valve area of the tricuspid valve is 7–8cm2. Reduction of valve area to <2 cm2 causes a pressure gradient. A small diastolic pressure gradient (<5 mmHg), gradient between the right atrium and ventricle can be present due to tricuspid stenosis. The gradient is increasing on inspiration. A mean pressure gradient >5mmHg is considered indicative of significant TS and is usually associated with symptoms.

    Clinical presentation

    A tricuspid opening snap and a characteristic mid-diastolic murmur may be audible along the left sternoid border on auscultation. Carvallo’s sign, an increase of murmur intensity on inspiration, may be present. Distention of jugular veins, ascites, pleural effusion and peripheral edema may be present due to increased right atrial pressures.

    Reduced cardiac output causes symptoms of fatigue and malaise. The pulmonary congestion of mitral stenosis may be masked in severe tricuspid stenosis.

    Diagnostic Options

    Chest radiography

    Cardiomegaly with an increase in right atria and pulmonary artery size is demonstrated on chest radiography.

    Electrocardiography

    An increased P-wave amplitude is seen on the electrocardiogram if the patient is in normal sinus rhythm.

    Echocardiography

    The tricuspid valve structure and function is commonly assessed by echocardiography. The annular size can be measured and the right pressures can be evaluated.

    Tricuspid stenosis due to rheumatic disease is characterized by leaflet thickening with reduced motion and frequent commissural fusion. The chordae are shortened and thickened, and diastolic doming is present. Carcinoid syndrome is characterized by retraction of leaflets towards the apex during systole. A prolonged slope of antegrade flow across the tricuspid valve can be seen on Doppler. Tricuspid stenosis is considered severe when the mean transvalvular gradient is >5 mmHg.

    Treatment

    The therapeutic approach for tricuspid regurgitation is dictated by the etiology of the regurgitation and overall condition of the patient. In a limited number of patients percutaneous balloon tricuspid dilatation has been performed. This is a treatment option in cases of isolated and pure tricuspid stenosis, but it frequently induces regurgitation.[54] Tricuspid balloon valvotomy, combining commissurotomy leaflet augmentation and annuloplasty, can be used to treat tricuspid stenosis; however, with this treatment the potential for inducing severe tricuspid regurgitation still exists. A biological prosthesis is preferred in case of tricuspid valve replacement,since it has satisfactory long-term durability and mechanical prosthesis caries a higher risk of thrombosis.


    This page titled 6.8: Tricuspid Stenosis is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by de Jong and van der Waals Eds. (Cardionetworks Foundation and the Health[e]Foundation) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.