Tricuspid annular area and leaflets stretch are associated with functional tricuspid regurgitation - insights from three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography.

Background: The presence of functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with mortality and morbidity. Although uniform management with a tricuspid annuloplasty ring is currently considered as a standard surgical procedure, high rates of residual TR despite annuloplasty are reported. Therefore, the identification of the TR mechanisms would be necessary to provide personalized treatment for each TR patient.

Methods: This study population consisted of 106 patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) who were scheduled for procedure. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography were performed prior to mitral valve intervention. We performed three-dimensional quantitative assessment including tricuspid annular (TA) area and the distance between the three commissures of tricuspid valve.

Results: Significant TR, which is defined as moderate or greater TR, was detected in 23 (22%). TA area (P < 0.01), the distance of septal-leaflet length (SL) (P = 0.03) and posterior-leaflet length (PL) (p = 0.02) were significantly associated with significant TR, while TA diameter assessed by transthoracic echocardiography was not. When patients were divided into four groups according to SL and PL, the group with longer SL and PL had a significantly higher incidence of significant TR (P < 0.01).

Conclusions: Greater stretch of the septal and posterior leaflet between commissures and larger TA area are associated with significant TR in patients with severe MR. In order to prevent TR recurrence, the intervention of the septal leaflet in tricuspid annuloplasty may be beneficial. The precise implement of three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography of tricuspid valve is valuable for a personalized strategy of tricuspid annuloplasty.