The tricuspid valve regulates the blood flow from the heart's upper-right chamber (the right atrium) to the lower-right chamber (the right ventricle).
diseases of the tricuspid valve: tricuspid regurgitation and tricuspid stenosis.
Tricuspid Regurgitation
It means there is a backflow of blood from the lower-right chamber (the right ventricle) to the upper-right chamber (the right atrium), either because of a damaged tricuspid valve or an enlarged right ventricle. Blood is pushed back into the major veins instead of moving forward into the lungs, where it can pick up oxygen.
What causes tricuspid regurgitation?
The main cause of tricuspid regurgitation is an enlarged right ventricle. This may be caused by any disorder that causes right ventricular failure, such as increased pressure in the pulmonary artery. Damage to the tricuspid valve may be caused by rheumatic fever.
What are the symptoms?
People with tricuspid regurgitation usually have no symptoms. For patients who have high blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension) as well as tricuspid regurgitation, signs and symptoms may include
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Swelling of the stomach area, feet, and ankles.
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Fatigue.
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Weakness.
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Decreased urine output.
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Yellowing of the skin (jaundice) and fluid in the stomach area that may be associated with liver problems (ascites).
Most people can put up with the symptoms of tricuspid regurgitation for years. If you have tricuspid regurgitation, you should see your doctor to find out if you have any underlying conditions that may contribute to the disease (such as high blood pressure in your lungs). Surgical repair or replacement of the tricuspid valve may also be needed.
Tricuspid Stenosis
Tricuspid stenosis is a narrowing or blockage of the tricuspid valve. The tricuspid valve regulates the blood flow from the heart's upper-right chamber (the right atrium) to the lower-right chamber (the right ventricle). Tricuspid stenosis causes the right atrium to become enlarged, while the right ventricle does not get enough blood.
What causes tricuspid stenosis?
Tricuspid stenosis is usually associated with rheumatic fever. Often, people with tricuspid stenosis also have mitral stenosis. You are rarely born with tricuspid stenosis, and it is not passed down through family members.
What are the symptoms?
The only symptoms of tricuspid stenosis are fatigue and the pain of an enlarged liver. Symptoms are rarely severe enough to require valve surgery.
How is it treated?
The only symptoms of tricuspid stenosis are fatigue and the pain of an enlarged liver. Symptoms are rarely severe enough to require valve surgery.
Tricuspid Regurgitation
Anatomically correct design
conforms
to the 3-D
tricuspid valve opening.
Medical Management
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Your doctor will want to monitor the progress of your valve disease with regular appointments. They may be spaced once a year or more often, if your doctor feels you need to be followed more closely.
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Your appointment will include a medical exam. Diagnostic studies may be repeated at regular intervals.
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Your physician may prescribe medications to treat your symptoms. These medications may include drugs to treat heart failure or medications to control irregular heart rhythms.
Surgical Management :
Tricuspid valve repair
When valve disease is severe, it may be necessary to repair or replace the diseased valve. Tricuspid valve repair using an annuloplasty ring is the preferred surgical approach for tricuspid regurgitation and may be performed for primary tricuspid disease or for combined cases with other valve surgery (mitral, aortic). See illustrations to the right. For more information and to view actual surgery,
When the valve can not be repaired, a valve replacement will be performed.
