Q. Pathophysiology of Tricuspid regurgitation?
Tricuspid regurgitation is associated with prominent venous filling waves and elevated right atrial venous pressures. Hepatic and systemic venous congestion and low output state would result as a consequence. In the primary tricuspid regurgitation, right ventricular pressure is normal and the diseased tricuspid valve or right ventricle is the cause for tricuspid regurgitation. Since right ventricle can tolerate high volumes, it enlarges and symptoms would be manifested at an advanced stage of the disease. Secondary tricuspid regurgitation is due to elevated pressures in right ventricle, which is more commonly due to elevated pulmonary artery pressures. Clinical features are predominantly due to disease processes causing elevation of pulmonary artery pressures.