Value of proximal regurgitant jet size in tricuspid regurgitation

Multimodality Imaging in the Management of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation

Approximately 5% of elderly patients suffer from moderate or severe tricuspid valve regurgitation, which is an independent predictor of high morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment of isolated tricuspid valve regurgitation has been associated with elevated fatality rate, leading to a growing interest in minimal invasive, transcatheter-based therapies such as transcatheter edge-to-edge repair and transcatheter valve replacement. Nevertheless, despite high procedural efficacy and safety of transcatheter-based therapies, a number of challenges limit their rapid adoption in routine clinical practice. In particular, the wide range of transcatheter approaches to address the significant variability in tricuspid valve pathology challenges the reproducibility of clinical outcomes. Multimodality imaging is pivotal for grading the regurgitation severity, determining the underlying pathology, assessing RV function and pulmonary pressures, identifying concomitant cardiac disease, and selecting the most beneficial treatment modality and access. This article reviews the role of different imaging modalities in guiding the management of patients with significant tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography for tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair: a step-by-step protocol

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) carries an unfavourable prognosis and often leads to progressive right ventricular (RV) failure. Secondary TR accounts for over 90% of cases and is caused by RV and/or tricuspid annulus dilation, in the setting of left heart disease or pulmonary hypertension. Surgical treatment for isolated TR entails a high operative risk and is seldom performed. Recently, transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) has emerged as a low-risk alternative treatment in selected patients. Although the experience gained from mitral TEER has paved the way for the technique's adaptation to the tricuspid valve (TV), its anatomical complexity necessitates precise imaging. To this end, a comprehensive protocol integrating 2D and 3D imaging from both transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) plays a crucial role. TTE allows for an initial morphological assessment of the TV, quantification of TR severity, evaluation of biventricular function, and non-invasive haemodynamic evaluation of pulmonary circulation. TOE, conversely, provides a detailed evaluation of TV morphology, enabling precise assessment of TR mechanism and severity, and represents the primary method for determining eligibility for TEER. Once a patient is considered eligible for TEER, TOE, alongside fluoroscopy, will guide the procedure in the catheterization lab. High-quality TOE imaging is crucial for patient selection and to achieve procedural success. The present review examines the roles of TTE and TOE in managing patients with severe TR eligible for TEER, proposing the step-by-step protocol successfully adopted in our centre.

Comparison of effective regurgitant orifice area by the PISA method and tricuspid coaptation gap measurement to identify very severe tricuspid regurgitation and stratify mortality risk

Introduction

Various definitions of very severe (VS) tricuspid regurgitation (TR) have been proposed based on the effective regurgitant orifice area (EROA) or tricuspid coaptation gap (TCG). Because of the inherent limitations associated with the EROA, we hypothesized that the TCG would be more suitable for defining VSTR and predicting outcomes.

Materials and methods

In this French multicentre retrospective study, we included 606 patients with ≥moderate-to-severe isolated functional TR (without structural valve disease or an overt cardiac cause) according to the recommendations of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging. Patients were further stratified into VSTR according to the EROA (≥60 mm²) and then according to the TCG (≥10 mm). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was cardiovascular mortality.

Results

The relationship between the EROA and TCG was poor (R²=0.22), especially when the size of the defect was large. Four-year survival was comparable between patients with an EROA <60 mm² vs. ≥60 mm² (68 ± 3% vs. 64 ± 5%, p = 0.89). A TCG ≥10 mm was associated with lower four-year survival than a TCG <10 mm (53 ± 7% vs. 69 ± 3%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for covariates, including comorbidity, symptoms, dose of diuretics, and right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction, a TCG ≥10 mm remained independently associated with higher all-cause mortality (adjusted HR[95% CI] = 1.47[1.13-2.21], p = 0.019) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR[95% CI] = 2.12[1.33-3.25], p = 0.001), whereas an EROA ≥60 mm² was not associated with all-cause or cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR[95% CI]: 1.16[0.81-1.64], p = 0.416, and adjusted HR[95% CI]: 1.07[0.68-1.68], p = 0.784, respectively).

Conclusion

The correlation between the TCG and EROA is weak and decreases with increasing defect size. A TCG ≥10 mm is associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality and should be used to define VSTR in isolated significant functional TR.

Multi-modality imaging assessment of native valvular regurgitation: an EACVI and ESC council of valvular heart disease position paper

Valvular regurgitation represents an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Imaging is pivotal in the evaluation of native valve regurgitation and echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for this purpose. The imaging assessment of valvular regurgitation should integrate quantification of the regurgitation, assessment of the valve anatomy and function, and the consequences of valvular disease on cardiac chambers. In clinical practice, the management of patients with valvular regurgitation largely relies on the results of imaging. It is crucial to provide standards that aim at establishing a baseline list of measurements to be performed when assessing native valve regurgitation. The present document aims to present clinical guidance for the multi-modality imaging assessment of native valvular regurgitation.

Dynamic Systolic Changes in Tricuspid Regurgitation Vena Contracta Size and Proximal Isovelocity Surface Area in Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: A Three-Dimensional Color Doppler Echocardiographic Study

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to investigate the dynamic changes in the vena contracta (VC) and proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) through systole in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome and tricuspid regurgitation and to identify the stage of systole (early, mid, or late) in which VC and PISA radius are optimal.

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome were prospectively studied using continuous two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. Two-dimensional VC width, 3D VC area, and PISA radii (2D and 3D) were measured frame by frame throughout systole. The maximal 2D VC width, 3D VC area, and PISA radii in the first, middle, and last thirds of systole were compared, and correlations were explored with 3D tricuspid annular areas, right atrial volumes, and right ventricular volumes.

RESULTS

In all, 35 data sets that met inclusion criteria were analyzed. On frame-by-frame analysis, maximal 2D VC width and 3D VC area were found in the first third of systole in 17% and 20% of studies, in the second third in 34% and 31%, and in the final third in 49% and 49%. Similarly, the maximal 2D and 3D PISA radii were found in the first third of systole in 26% and 17% of studies, in the second third in 28% and 34%, and in the final third in 46% and 49%.

CONCLUSIONS

In hypoplastic left heart syndrome, detailed temporal analysis of tricuspid regurgitation-associated VC and PISA by 2D and 3D echocardiography reveals no reliable pattern predicting when in systole these parameters peak. Frame-by-frame measurement is necessary for identification of maximal VC and PISA radius on 2D and 3D color Doppler echocardiography because the severity of tricuspid regurgitation could be underestimated because of temporal variability in VC and PISA.

Prospective study of tricuspid valve regurgitation associated with permanent leads in patients undergoing cardiac rhythm device implantation: Background, rationale, and design

Given the increasing numbers of cardiac device implantations worldwide, it is important to determine whether permanent endocardial leads across the tricuspid valve can promote tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Virtually all current data is retrospective, and indicates a signal of TR being increased after permanent lead implantation. However, the precise incidence of moderate or greater TR post-procedure, the exact mechanisms (mechanical, traumatic, functional), and the hemodynamic burden and clinical effects of this putative increase in TR, remain uncertain. We have therefore designed a multicenter, international, prospective study of 300 consecutive patients (recruitment completed, baseline data presented) who will undergo echocardiography and clinical assessment prior to, and at 1-year post device insertion. This prospective study will help determine whether cardiac device-associated TR is real, what are its potential mechanisms, and whether it has an important clinical impact on cardiac device patients.

Tricuspid repair at pulmonary valve replacement does not alter outcomes in tetralogy of Fallot

BACKGROUND

Chronic pulmonary regurgitation after tetralogy of Fallot repair often leads to progressive right ventricle dilation, dysfunction, and frequently, pulmonary valve replacement. For those with significant tricuspid regurgitation at the time of pulmonary valve replacement, it is unknown whether concomitant tricuspid valve repair improves postoperative outcomes.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of patients after tetralogy of Fallot repair who underwent pulmonary valve replacement between 1999 and 2012. Preoperative and postoperative echocardiograms were assessed for tricuspid regurgitation (vena contracta) and right ventricular size and function (Tomtec software).

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients underwent pulmonary valve replacement. Thirty-six (58%) had greater than or equal to moderate tricuspid regurgitation on preoperative echocardiogram. Significant predictors were not identified. Of the 36, 18 (50%) underwent concomitant tricuspid valve repair at the time of pulmonary valve replacement. After surgery, there was a significant reduction in the degree of tricuspid regurgitation (p < 0.001) and measures of right ventricular size (p < 0.05) in both cohorts. Between surgical groups, there was no statistical difference in the grade of tricuspid regurgitation (p = 0.47) or measures of right ventricular size (p > 0.4) at 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Tricuspid regurgitation is a common finding in repaired tetralogy of Fallot, although risk factors for its development remain unclear. After pulmonary valve replacement with or without tricuspid valve repair there is significant improvement in the degree of tricuspid regurgitation and right ventricular size. Finally, 6 months after pulmonary valve replacement there were no statistical differences between those patients undergoing concomitant tricuspid valve repair and those undergoing pulmonary valve replacements alone.

Recommendations for the echocardiographic assessment of native valvular regurgitation: an executive summary from the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging

Valvular regurgitation represents an important cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Echocardiography has become the primary non-invasive imaging method for the evaluation of valvular regurgitation. The echocardiographic assessment of valvular regurgitation should integrate the quantification of the regurgitation, assessment of the valve anatomy and function, as well as the consequences of valvular disease on cardiac chambers. In clinical practice, the management of patients with valvular regurgitation thus largely integrates the results of echocardiography. It is crucial to provide standards that aim at establishing a baseline list of measurements to be performed when assessing regurgitation.

Pathophysiology of Tricuspid Regurgitation

Background—

Respiratory dependence of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), a long-held concept suggested by murmur variation, remains unproven and of unclear mechanisms.

Methods and Results—

In 41 patients with mild or greater TR (median age, 67 years), we performed triple Doppler echocardiographic quantification (TR severity, right ventricular, and right atrial quantification) with simultaneous respirometer recording of respiratory phases. Expiration to inspiration changes (median) affected TR peak velocity (−40 cm/s; 25th to 75th percentile, −60 to −30 cm/s), duration (−12 milliseconds; 25th to 75th percentile, −45 to 2 milliseconds), and time-velocity integral (−17 cm; 25th to 75th percentile, −23.4 to −10 cm; all P <0.001), consistent with decreased TR driving force. Nevertheless, inspiratory TR augmentation was demonstrated by increased effective regurgitant orifice (0.21 cm 2 ; 25th to 75th percentile, 0.09 to 0.34 cm 2 ) and volume (18 mL per beat; 25th to 75th percentile, 10 to 25 mL per beat; all P <0.001) infrequently detected clinically (2 of 41, 5). As a result of reduced TR driving force, regurgitant volume increased less than effective regurgitant orifice (120 [25th to 75th percentile, 78.6 to 169] versus 169 [ 25th to 75th percentile, 12.9 to 226.1]; P <0.001). During inspiration, right ventricular area increased (diastolic, 27.8 [25th to 75th percentile, 22.6 to 36.3] versus 26.5 [21.1 to 31.9]; P <0.0001) with widening of right ventricular shape (length-to-width ratio, 1.6 [ 25th to 75th percentile, 1.37 to 1.95] versus 1.7 [1.46 to 2.1]; P <0.0001), increased systolic annular diameter ( P =0.003), valve tenting height ( P <0.0001) and area ( P <0.0001), and reduced valvular-to-annular ratio ( P =0.006). Effective regurgitant orifice during inspiration was independently determined by inspiratory valvular-to-annular ratio ( P =0.026) and inspiratory change in right ventricular length-to-width ratio ( P =0.008) and valve tenting area ( P =0.015).

Conclusions—

TR is dynamic with almost universal respiratory changes of large magnitude and complex pathophysiology. During inspiration, a large increase in effective regurgitant orifice causes, despite a decline in regurgitant gradient, a notable increase in regurgitant volume. Effective regurgitant orifice changes are independently linked to inspiratory annular enlargement (decreased valvular coverage) and to inspiratory right ventricular shape widening with increased valvular tenting. These novel physiological insights into TR respiratory dependence underscore right-side heart plasticity and are important for clinical TR severity evaluation.

European Association of Echocardiography recommendations for the assessment of valvular regurgitation. Part 2: mitral and tricuspid regurgitation (native valve disease)

Mitral and tricuspid are increasingly prevalent. Doppler echocardiography not only detects the presence of regurgitation but also permits to understand mechanisms of regurgitation, quantification of its severity and repercussions. The present document aims to provide standards for the assessment of mitral and tricuspid regurgitation.

Quantification of Tricuspid Regurgitation by Live Three-Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiographic Measurements of Vena Contracta Area

We evaluated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) by multiple echocardiographic techniques in 93 consecutive patients who underwent standard two-dimensional (2D) and live three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). TR vena contracta (VC) area was obtained by 3D TTE by systematic and sequential cropping of the acquired 3D TTE dataset. Assessment of VC area by 3D TTE was compared to 2D TTE measurements of the ratio of TR regurgitant jet area to right atrial area (RJA/RAA), RJA alone, VC width, and calculated VC area. VC area from 3D TTE closely correlated with RJA/RAA and RJA alone as determined from 2D TTE measurements. Live 3D TTE color Doppler measurements of VC area can be used for quantitative assessment of TR and offer incremental value for quantification of particularly severe regurgitant lesions.

Vena contracta width measurement: theoretic basis and usefulness in the assessment of valvular regurgitation severity

In patients with valvular regurgitation, the regurgitation jet can be observed by Doppler color flow imaging. Vena contracta is defined as the narrowest part of the jet, just distal to the regurgitant orifice. Vena contracta dimensions reflect the severity of regurgitation. Vena contracta diameter, usually easy to measure in clinical practice, is well correlated with the effective regurgitant orifice area and the regurgitant volume. Cutoff values have been determined to identify severe regurgitation for mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valves. In clinical practice, determination of vena contracta diameter is a useful and simple method for assessment of valvular regurgitation. In the future, assessment of complex jet regurgitations will probably benefit from the contribution of three-dimensional Doppler flow imaging, which should improve the performances of the method.

Interaliasing distance of the flow convergence surface for determining mitral regurgitant volume: a validation study in a chronic animal model

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to validate a new flow convergence (FC) method that eliminated the need to locate the regurgitant orifice and that could be performed semiautomatedly.

BACKGROUND

Complex and time-consuming features of previously validated color Doppler methods for determining mitral regurgitant volume (MRV) have prevented their widespread clinical use.

METHODS

Thirty-nine different hemodynamic conditions in 12 sheep with surgically created flail leaflets inducing chronic mitral regurgitation were studied with two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography. Color Doppler M-mode images along the centerline of the accelerating flow towards the mitral regurgitation orifice were obtained. The distance between the two first aliasing boundaries (interaliasing distance [IAD]) was measured and the FC radius was mathematically derived according to the continuity equation (R(calc) = IAD/(1 - radicalv(1)/v(2)), v(1) and v(2) being the aliasing velocities). The conventional 2D FC radius was also measured (R(meas)). Mitral regurgitant volume was then calculated according to the FC method using both R(calc) and R(meas). Aortic and mitral electromagnetic (EM) flow probes and meters were balanced against each other to determine the reference standard MRV.

RESULTS

Mitral regurgitant volume calculated from R(calc) and R(meas) correlated well with EM-MRV (y = 0.83x + 5.17, r = 0.90 and y = 1.04x + 0.91, r = 0.91, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). However, both methods resulted in slight overestimation of EM-MRV (Delta was 3.3 +/- 2.1 ml for R(calc) and 1.3 +/- 2.3 ml for R(meas)).

CONCLUSIONS

Good correlation was observed between MRV derived from R(calc) (IAD method) and EM-MRV, similar to that observed with R(meas) (conventional FC method) and EM-MRV. The R(calc) using the IAD method has an advantage over conventional R(meas) in that it does not require spatial localization of the regurgitant orifice and can be performed semiautomatedly.

Tricuspid valvuloplasty in hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Tricuspid valve regurgitation is a common finding in patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome undergoing staged surgical reconstruction and can result from either abnormal valve morphology or incomplete leaflet coaptation due to annular dilatation. Significant tricuspid insufficiency imposes an additional volume load on the right ventricle and may have an important effect on survival. The spectrum of tricuspid valve anatomy found in hypoplastic left heart syndrome and surgical techniques available for the repair of atrioventricular valves are discussed. Tricuspid valvuloplasty during either the hemi-Fontan or Fontan stages of reconstruction carries a high success rate and is associated with improved right ventricular function. Copyright 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company

Quantification of tricuspid regurgitation by measuring the width of the vena contracta with Doppler color flow imaging: a clinical study

OBJECTIVE

We sought to evaluate the vena contracta width (VCW) measured using color Doppler as an index of severity of tricuspid regurgitation (TR).

BACKGROUND

The VCW is a reliable measure of mitral and aortic regurgitation, but its value in measuring TR is uncertain.

METHODS

In 71 consecutive patients with TR, the VCW was prospectively measured using color Doppler and compared with the results of the flow convergence method and hepatic venous flow, and its diagnostic value for severe TR was assessed.

RESULTS

The VCW was 6.1+/-3.4 mm and was significantly higher in patients with, than those without, severe TR (9.6+/-2.9 vs. 4.2 +/- 1.6 mm, p<0.0001). The VCW correlated well with the effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) by the flow convergence method (r = 0.90, SEE = 0.17 cm2, p<0.0001), even when restricted to patients with eccentric jets (r = 0.93, p < 0.0001). The VCW also showed significant correlations with hepatic venous flow (r = 0.79, p < 0.0001), regurgitant volume (r = 0.77, p<0.0001) and right atrial area (r = 0.46, p< 0.0001). A VCW > or =6.5 mm identified severe TR with 88.5% sensitivity and 93.3% specificity. In comparison with jet area or jet/right atrial area ratio, the VCW showed better correlations with ERO (both p<0.01) and a larger area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.98 vs. 0.88 and 0.85, both p<0.02) for the diagnosis of severe TR.

CONCLUSIONS

The VCW measured by color Doppler correlates closely with severity of TR. This quantitative method is simple, provides a high diagnostic value (superior to that of jet size) for severe TR and represents a useful tool for comprehensive, noninvasive quantitation of TR.

Tricuspid valve disease. Clinical evaluation, physiopathology, and management

The tricuspid and mitral valves are homologous whose function depends on coordination among components. Isolated tricuspid valve abnormalities are relatively uncommon. Rheumatic disease, chemicals, immunologic and degenerative disorders alter leaflet anatomy and may result in either stenosis, insufficiency or a combination. More often, tricuspid disorders present as a component of congenital syndromes or secondary to pulmonary vascular or let heart disease which alter geometry and function of nonleaflet components.