The assessment of the etiology and severity of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) has many limitations, especially when tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is more than severe. Instead of relying solely on TR severity, a new approach not only takes into account the severity of TR, but also pays strict attention to tricuspid annular dilation (size), the mode of tricuspid leaflet coaptation, and tricuspid leaflet tethering-factors often influenced by right ventricular enlargement and dysfunction. To simplify things, we propose a new staging system for functional tricuspid valve pathology using 3 parameters that may more accurately reflect the severity of the disease: TR severity, annular dilation, and mode of leaflet coaptation (extent of tethering). We believe that by utilizing these parameters, cardiologists and cardiac surgeons will be offered a better system for appraisal and decision-making in FTR.
We describe three children with Noonan syndrome with cardiopathy. One female child had cardiopathy and ocular abnormalities. The other two male children had congenital heart disease of which one had uncommon association of tricuspid valve dysplasia with regurgitation associated with endocardial cushion defect. Karyotypes of the female and one of the male children were normal. The growth hormone and thyroid hormone studies in the first and second male children were normal. All the three children were managed conservatively and followed-up.
Papillary fibroelastoma is a rare primary tumor of the heart valves. This lesion can occur on any of the valves or endothelial surface of the heart and has been detected by echocardiography, by cardiac catheterization, during open heart operations for other conditions, and at autopsy. Because of the potential for comorbidities, this tumor should be removed. We present the case of an elderly man with a diagnosis of severe mitral valve regurgitation and moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation who was suspected to have a tricuspid valve vegetation. Mitral valve replacement, tricuspid valve repair, and excision of the lesion were performed successfully. A histologic examination of the vegetation confirmed it to be a papillary fibroelastoma. We present this case to emphasize the rarity of this tumor and the importance of a correct diagnosis to avoid delaying its prompt and definitive management.