Morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients requiring isolated tricuspid valve surgery: a retrospective cohort study of 537 patients in New South Wales between 2002 and 2018.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate mortality and morbidity outcomes following open-heart isolated tricuspid valve surgery (TVSx) with medium to long-term follow-up. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: New South Wales public and private hospital admissions between 1 January 2002 and 30 June 2018. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 537 patients underwent open isolated TVSx during the study period. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was all-cause mortality tracked from the death registry to 31 December 2018. Secondary morbidity outcomes, including admission for congestive cardiac failure (CCF), new atrial fibrillation (AF), infective endocarditis (IE), pulmonary embolism (PE) and insertion of a permanent pacemaker (PPM) or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), were tracked from the Admitted Patient Data Collection database. Independent mortality associations were determined using the Cox regression method. RESULTS: A total of 537 patients underwent open isolated TVSx (46% male): median age (IQR) was 63.5 years (43.9-73.8 years) with median length of stay of 16 days (10-31 days). Main cardiovascular comorbidities were AF (54%) and CCF (42%); 67% had rheumatic tricuspid valve. In-hospital and total mortality were 7.4% and 39.3%, respectively (mean follow-up: 4.8 years). Cause-specific deaths were evenly split between cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular causes. Predictors of mortality included a history of CCF (HR=1.78, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.38, p<0.001) and chronic pulmonary disease (HR=2.66, 95% CI 1.63 to 4.33, p<0.001). In-hospital PPM rate was 10.0%. At 180 days, 53 (9.9%) patients were admitted for CCF, 25 (10.1%) had new AF, 7 (1.5%) had new IE and <1% had PE, post-discharge PPM or ICD insertion. CONCLUSION: Open isolated TVSx carries significant mortality risk, with decompensated CCF and new AF the most common morbidities encountered after surgery. This report forms a benchmark to compare outcomes with newer percutaneous tricuspid interventions.

Association of Pulmonary Artery Pressures With Mortality in Adults With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: The independent effect of pulmonary hypertension (PHT) severity on mortality in those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is not well known. OBJECTIVES: The authors aimed to examine the prognostic impact of increasingly elevated pulmonary pressures in a large clinical cohort of adults with reduced LVEF. METHODS: The authors analyzed data from the National Echocardiography Database of Australia, a large clinical registry linking routine echocardiographic investigations to mortality. In 23,675 adults with a recorded tricuspid regurgitation peak velocity (TRV) and reduced LVEF (<50%), the authors evaluated the relationship between conventional thresholds of increasing risk of PHT and mortality during median follow-up of 2.9 years (Q1-Q3: 1.0-5.4 years). RESULTS: Mean age was 70 ± 15 years, and 7,498 (31.7%) individuals were female. Overall, 8,801 (37.2%) had normal (TRV <2.5 m/s), 7,061 (29.8%) had borderline (2.5-2.8 m/s), 5,676 (24.0%) intermediate (2.9-3.4 m/s), and 2,137 (9.0%) individuals had high-risk PHT (>3.4 m/s). With increasing risk of PHT, 1- and 5-year actuarial mortality increased from 13.3% and 43.8% to 41.5% and 81.4%, respectively (P < 0.0001) from normal to severely elevated TRV. The adjusted HR of mortality increased by 1.31-fold (95% CI: 1.23-1.38), 1.82-fold (95% CI: 1.72-1.93), and 2.38-fold (95% CI: 2.21-2.56) in those with borderline, intermediate, and high risk of PHT respectively, compared with normal TRV. Further analyses suggested a distinctive threshold with a TRV reached >2.41 m/s (adjusted HR: 1.18 [95% CI: 1.04-1.33]). CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrate the prevalence and negative prognostic impact of increasingly elevated TRV levels in individuals with reduced LVEF, with a threshold for mortality lying within the range of "borderline risk" PHT.

Right Heart Remodeling and Outcomes in Patients With Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) can develop either because of right ventricular (RV) remodeling (ventricular functional TR) and/or right atrial dilation (atrial functional TR). OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between right heart remodeling and long-term (>1 year) all-cause mortality in patients with significant TR (at least moderate, ≥2+). METHODS: MEDLINE, ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases were searched. Studies reporting data on at least 1 RV functional parameter and long-term all-cause mortality in patients with significant TR were included. This study was designed according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) requirements. RESULTS: Out of 8,902 studies, a total of 14 were included, enrolling 4,394 subjects. The duration of follow-up across the studies varied, ranging from a minimum of 15.5 months to a maximum of 73.2 months. Overall, long-term all-cause mortality was 31% (95% CI: 20%-41%; P ≤ 0.001). By means of meta-regression analyses, an inverse relation was found between tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (11 studies enrolling 3,551 subjects, -6.3% [95% CI: -11.1% to -1.4%]; P = 0.011), RV fractional area change (9 studies, 2,975 subjects, -4.4% [95% CI: -5.9% to -2.9%]; P < 0.001), tricuspid annular dimension (7 studies, 2,986 subjects, -4.1% [95% CI: -7.6% to -0.5%]; P = 0.026), right atrial area (6 studies, 1,920 subjects, -1.9% [95% CI: -2.5% to -1.3%]; P < 0.001) and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: RV dysfunction parameters are associated to worse clinical outcomes in patients with TR, whereas right atrial dilatation is linked to a better prognostic outcome. Further studies are needed to unravel the pathophysiological differences within the functional TR spectrum. (Right heart remodeling and outcomes in patients with tricuspid regurgitation; CRD42023418667).

Myocardial work of the systemic right ventricle and its association with outcomes.

We aimed to evaluate clinical and prognostic significance of myocardial work parameters of the systemic right ventricle (SRV). Thirty-eight patients with the SRV underwent echocardiographic assessment of the SRV systolic function including 3D-echocardiography derived ejection fraction, 2D longitudinal strain and myocardial work analysis. The study endpoint was the combination of all-cause mortality and heart transplantation. Global constructive work (GCW) and global work index (GWI) demonstrated moderate correlation with the 3DE-derived SRV ejection fraction (EF) (Rho 0.64, p < 0.0001 and Rho 0.63, p < 0.0001, respectively). GCW showed the strongest correlation with the BNP level (Rho - 0.77, p < 0.0001), closely followed by GWI, 4-chamber longitudinal strain and 3DE EF (all Rho - 0.73, p < 0.0001). GCW and GWI were significantly lower in patients with moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation compared with less than moderate regurgitation (1226 ± 439 vs 1509 ± 264 mmHg%, p = 0.02, and 984 ± 348 vs 1259 ± 278 mmHg%, p = 0.01, respectively). During a follow-up of 3.5 (2.8-3.9) years, seven patients (18%) died and one received transplantation (3%). They had significantly lower GCW and GWI compared with patients who did not reach the study endpoint (908 ± 255 vs 1433 ± %, p < 0.001 and 721 ± 210 vs 1173 ± 315 mmHg%, p < 0.001, respectively). In Cox regression analysis, GCW, GWI, 3DE SRV volumes and EF were the best-fit models based on the Akaike Information Criterion, outperforming longitudinal strain parameters. GWI and GCW, novel echocardiographic parameters of myocardial work, provided reliable quantification of the SRV systolic function. GWI, GCW and 3DE-derived SRV parameters were closely associated with all-cause mortality and heart transplantation in patients with the SRV.

Como eu faço a avaliação pós-intervenções tricúspides: dicas e truques / My approach to assessment after tricuspid interventions: tips and tricks

A regurgitação tricúspide (RT) importante está associada à alta morbidade e mortalidade. Como o tratamento cirúrgico da RT isolada tem sido associado à alta mortalidade, as intervenções transcateter na valva tricúspide (VT) têm sido utilizadas para o seu tratamento, com risco relativamente mais baixo. Há um atraso na intervenção da RT e provavelmente está relacionado a uma compreensão limitada da anatomia da VT e do ventrículo direito, além da subestimação da gravidade da RT. Nesse cenário, faz-se necessário o conhecimento anatômico abrangente da VT, a fisiopatologia envolvida no mecanismo de regurgitação, assim como a sua graduação mais precisa. A VT tem peculiaridades anatômica, histológica e espacial que fazem a sua avalição ser mais complexa, quando comparado à valva mitral, sendo necessário o conhecimento e treinamento nas diversas técnicas ecocardiográficas que serão utilizadas frequentemente em combinação para uma avaliação precisa. Esta revisão descreverá a anatomia da VT, o papel do ecocardiograma no diagnóstico, graduação e fisiopatologia envolvida na RT, as principais opções atuais de tratamento transcateter da RT e a avaliação do resultado após intervenção transcateter por meio de múltiplas modalidades ecocardiográficas.(AU)

Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Given that surgical treatment of TR alone has been associated with high mortality, transcatheter interventions in the tricuspid valve (TV) have been used for its treatment, with relatively lower risk. There is a delay in intervention for TR, and this is probably related to a limited understanding of the anatomy of the TV and the right ventricle, in addition to an underestimation of the severity of TR. In this scenario, it is necessary to have comprehensive anatomical knowledge of the TV, the pathophysiology involved in the mechanism of regurgitation, and more accurate grading. The TV has anatomical, histological, and spatial peculiarities that make its assessment more complex when compared to the mitral valve, requiring knowledge and training in the various echocardiographic techniques that will often be used in combination for accurate assessment. This review will describe the anatomy of the TV, the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis, grading, and pathophysiology involved in TR; the main transcatheter treatment options currently available for TR; and the assessment of outcomes after transcatheter intervention by means of multiple echocardiographic modalities.(AU)

Complete atrioventricular septal defect with absent or diminutive primum component: Incidence, anatomic characteristics, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Repair of complete atrioventricular septal defect with absent or diminutive primum defect is challenging because of atrial septal malposition and abnormal anatomy of the left atrioventricular valve. We sought to define the incidence, anatomy, and surgical outcomes of this entity. METHODS: We identified all patients in our institutional database presenting for complete atrioventricular septal defect repair from 2006 to 2018. Operative reports and echocardiograms were reviewed to determine the presence and size of the primum defect, atrioventricular valve anatomy, degree of atrioventricular valve regurgitation, repair method, and complications, including reoperation for atrioventricular valve regurgitation. Functionally univentricular patients and those receiving repair at an outside institution were excluded. RESULTS: Of 183 patients with complete atrioventricular septal defect, absent/diminutive primum defect occurred in 16 patients (8.7%; 10 absent, 6 diminutive). Six patients (38%) had leftward malposition of the atrium septum on the common atrioventricular valve. The rate of reoperation for left atrioventricular valve regurgitation was 31% (3 early, 2 late), for which preoperative predictors included leftward malposition of the atrial septum onto the common atrioventricular valve (4/6 patients with malposition required reoperation, P = .036, Fisher exact test). One patient exhibiting this risk factor died. The overall rate of moderate or greater left atrioventricular valve regurgitation on the most recent postoperative echocardiogram was 13% (2/16 patients; median follow-up, 141 days; range, 3-2236 days). CONCLUSIONS: Complete atrioventricular septal defect with absent or diminutive primum defect is a unique variant of complete atrioventricular septal defect for which the risk of reoperation for left atrioventricular valve regurgitation after complete repair is high and risk factors include leftward malposition of the atrial septum on the common atrioventricular valve.

Effect of Tricuspid Valve Repair or Replacement on Survival in Patients With Isolated Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation.

Controversies remain in the management strategy for isolated tricuspid regurgitation (TR) because of adverse prognosis and uncertainties regarding the benefits of tricuspid valve surgery. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of a large cohort of patients with isolated TR, based on downstream tricuspid valve surgery versus medical management. Consecutive patients with isolated TR graded at least moderate-to-severe by echocardiography identified between January 2004 and December 2018 (n = 9,031, age 70 ± 15 years, 60% women) were retrospectively studied. The primary end point was time to all-cause mortality during follow-up. Outcomes were compared by management strategy using unadjusted and adjusted survival and multivariable regression analyses. Tricuspid valve surgery was performed in 632 of 9,031 of the cohort (7%), including 514 valve repairs and 118 valve replacements, with in-hospital mortality in 19 patients (2.9%). Overall, there were 3,985 all-cause deaths (44%) over mean follow-up of 2.6 ± 3.3 years. Tricuspid valve surgery was independently associated with lower mortality rate during follow-up, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 0.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45 to 0.64), and the association persisted in both primary and secondary TR subgroups. Tricuspid valve surgery also had a significantly higher rate of infective endocarditis and heart failure hospitalizations rates during follow-up, at HRs of 5.55 (95% CI 4.00 to 7.71) and 1.29 (95% CI 1.16 to 1.43), respectively. In conclusion, tricuspid valve surgery is rarely performed in isolated TR, but it is independently associated with greater survival for the overall cohort and both primary and secondary etiology subgroups. Increasing the utilization of this surgery at specialized centers is encouraged to try to improve the clinical outcomes for this challenging clinical entity.

Prognostic implications of valvular heart disease in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

BACKGROUND: Valvular heart disease (VHD) in non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF) is a puzzling clinical entity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic effect of significant VHD (sVHD) among patients with non-valvular AF. METHODS: This is a post-hoc analysis of the MISOAC-AF trial (NCT02941978). Consecutive inpatients with non-valvular AF who underwent echocardiography were included. sVHD was defined as the presence of at least moderate aortic stenosis (AS) or aortic/mitral/tricuspid regurgitation (AR/MR/TR). Cox regression analyses with covariate adjustments were used for outcome prediction. RESULTS: In total, 983 patients with non-valvular AF (median age 76 [14] years) were analyzed over a median follow-up period of 32 [20] months. sVHD was diagnosed in 575 (58.5%) AF patients. sVHD was associated with all-cause mortality (21.6%/yr vs. 6.5%/yr; adjusted HR [aHR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.17-2.06; p = 0.02), cardiovascular mortality (16%/yr vs. 4%/yr; aHR 1.70, 95% CI 1.09-2.66; p = 0.02) and heart failure-hospitalization (5.8%/yr vs. 1.8%/yr; aHR 2.53, 95% CI 1.35-4.63; p = 0.02). The prognostic effect of sVHD was particularly evident in patients aged < 80 years and in those without history of heart failure (p for interaction < 0.05, in both subgroups). After multivariable adjustment, moderate/severe AS and TR were associated with mortality, while AS and MR with heart failure-hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Among patients with non-valvular AF, sVHD was highly prevalent and beared high prognostic value across a wide spectrum of clinical outcomes, especially in patients aged < 80 years or in the absence of heart failure. Predominantly AS, as well as MR and TR, were associated with worse prognosis.

Survival of Patients With Mild Secondary Mitral Regurgitation With and Without Mild Tricuspid Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Mild secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR) is considered clinically benign when left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is preserved, but evidence on survival associated with mild SMR in normal LVEF is limited. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent echocardiography in a health care network between 2013 and 2018. We compared the survival of 4 groups: no valvular abnormalities (group 1), trace SMR with trace or mild tricuspid regurgitation (TR) (group 2), mild SMR with trace or no TR (group 3), and mild SMR with mild TR (group 4). A Cox proportional hazard model evaluated hazard of death in groups 2 to 4 compared with group 1, adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, and LVEF. The same comparisons were repeated in a subgroup of patients with preserved LVEF. RESULTS: Among the 16,372 patients of mean age 61 (51 to 71) years and 48% women, there were 8132 (49.7%) group 1 patients, 1902 (11.6%) group 2 patients, 3017 (18.4%) group 3 patients, and 3321 (20.3%) group 4 patients. Compared with group 1, group 4 had significantly increased adjusted hazard of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.31; P < 0.001), whereas groups 2 and 3 did not show a significantly different hazard of death. In those with preserved LVEF, the hazard was also significantly higher in group 4, compared with group 1 (HR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.03-1.26; P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Mild SMR with mild TR, irrespective of LVEF, was associated with worse survival compared with patients without any valvular abnormalities. Patients with mild SMR may require closer monitoring, even with normal LVEF.

Endoscopic repeat isolated tricuspid valve surgery after left-sided valve replacement: valvuloplasty or replacement.

BACKGROUND: The strategy of isolated tricuspid valve surgery has undergone innovations in recent years. This study aimed to summarize our experience using an endoscopic approach to repeat isolated tricuspid valve surgery (RITS) after left-sided valve replacement (LSVR). METHODS: From June 2013 to May 2019, 79 patients underwent endoscopic RITS after LSVR at our institution. Patients were divided into the tricuspid valvuloplasty (TVP) group (N.=49) and the tricuspid valve replacement (TVR) group (N.=30); perioperative outcomes and follow-up results were compared. RESULTS: There were seven postoperative deaths (8.9%). In-hospital mortality was higher in the TVR group than in the TVP group, although this difference was not statistically significant (13.3% vs. 6.1%, P=0.417). More patients experienced residual moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at discharge in the TVP group than in the TVR group (26.7% vs. 0%, P=0.003). Five patients died from heart, and multiorgan failure during follow-up; the overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 93.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): (87.1-99.9%)] and 85.3% (95% CI: 73.3-99.2%), respectively, and no significant differences were found between the two groups (P=0.103). The overall rates of the 3- and 5-year freedom from severe recurrent TR were 93.2% (95% CI: 85.9-99.9%) and 89.0% (78.7-99.9%), respectively, and no significant difference was found between groups (P=0.176). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat isolated tricuspid valve surgery after left-sided valve replacement is associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. Endoscopic access offers an alternative approach for RITS after LSVR with acceptable results. TVP results in lower surgical mortality than TVR while carrying a higher risk of residual moderate-to-severe TR.

Mid-term results after isolated tricuspid valve surgery in the presence of right ventricular leads.

BACKGROUND: Patients with tricuspid valve (TV) disease and indication for TV surgery frequently have permanent pacemaker (PM) or defibrillator (AICD) leads, placed in the right ventricle (RV). The aim of this study was to analyze postoperative results and mid-term outcomes after isolated TV surgery (with no further concomitant cardiac procedures) in the presence of permanent RV leads. METHODS: From January 2005 to January 2019 a total of 80 patients (mean age: 67.7±10.3 yrs; 56.3% male) with isolated TV disease and presence of at least one permanent RV lead in place were referred to our institution for isolated TV repair/replacement; patients with concomitant procedures were excluded for this analysis. All data were retrospectively analyzed. The follow-up was 98% complete. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 4.3±3.9 years. Mean preoperative clinical NYHA status was 3.0±0.8, left ventricular ejection fraction 50.7±12.9%, mean pulmonary artery pressure 23.8±9.3mmHg, creatinine 125.7±57.5µmol/L, mean MELD-XI Score (Model of End-stage-Liver Disease excluding INR) was 14.6±5.0 µmol/L. Thirty-day mortality was 6.3% with a 5-years survival of 58.2±6.0%. Cox regression analysis revealed the MELD-XI-Score as the only highly significant predictor for postoperative mortality (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Hepatorenal dysfunction - possibly indicating long lasting TV failure - could be a factor for limited postoperative survival in our patient cohort. This finding could underline our hypothesis, that early TV surgery may achieve better postoperative survival, even in patients with TV disease caused by RV leads. Therefore, further investigations are needed.

Transcatheter Tricuspid Valve Intervention in Patients With Previous Left Valve Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Scarce data exist on patients with previous left valve surgery (PLVS) undergoing transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention (TTVI). This study sought to investigate the procedural and early outcomes in patients with PLVS undergoing TTVI. METHODS: This was a subanalysis of the multicenter TriValve registry including 462 patients, 82 (18%) with PLVS. Data were analyzed according to the presence of PLVS in the overall cohort and in a propensity score-matched population including 51 and 115 patients with and without PLVS, respectively. RESULTS: Patients with PLVS were younger (72 ± 10 vs 78 ± 9 years; p < 0.01) and more frequently female (67.1% vs 53.2%; P = 0.02). Similar rates of procedural success (PLVS 80.5%; no-PLVS 82.1%; P = 0.73), and 30-day mortality (PLVS 2.4%, no-PLVS 3.4%; P = 0.99) were observed. After matching, there were no significant differences in both all-cause rehospitalisation (PLVS 21.1%, no-PLVS 26.5%; P = 0.60) and all-cause mortality (PLVS 9.8%, no-PLVS 6.7%; P = 0.58). At last follow-up (median 6 [interquartile range 1-12] months after the procedure), most patients (81.8%) in the PLVS group were in NYHA functional class I-II (P = 0.12 vs no-PLVS group), and TR grade was ≤ 2 in 82.6% of patients (P = 0.096 vs no-PVLS group). A poorer right ventricular function and previous heart failure hospitalization determined increased risks of procedural failure and poorer outcomes at follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with PLVS, TTVI was associated with high rates of procedural success and low early mortality. However, about one-third of patients required rehospitalisation or died at midterm follow-up. These results would support TTVI as a reasonable alternative to redo surgery in patients with PLVS and suggest the importance of earlier treatment to improve clinical outcomes.

Natural course of tricuspid regurgitation and prognostic implications.

OBJECTIVE: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent finding in echocardiography. Literature suggests significant TR is associated with poor prognosis. Still, data remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate long-term prognostic implications in patients with TR. METHODS: In this observational cohort study, data from 1650 consecutive patients were analysed. Primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Mean follow-up time was 1090 days. TR grades at baseline and follow-up were compared. Survival analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors. RESULTS: At baseline, 14.1% patients showed no, 63.8% mild, 17.4% moderate and 4.7% severe TR. 359 patients (21.8%) died within the study period. TR at baseline was associated with excess mortality. Moderate and severe TR were of prognostic implication in all subgroups irrespective of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) (

Sex-Specific Differences in Etiology and Prognosis in Patients With Significant Tricuspid Regurgitation.

The aim of this study was to assess differences in etiology, comorbidities, echocardiographic parameters, and prognosis between men and women with significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR). Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of 1569 patients (age 71 [62 to 78] years) at first diagnosis of significant TR were compared between men and women. Patients with congenital heart disease or previous tricuspid valve surgery were excluded. TR etiologies were defined as primary, left valvular disease related, left ventricular (LV) dysfunction related, pulmonary hypertension related, or isolated. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Sex-specific differences in outcomes were compared in the total population and after propensity score matching. There were 798 (51%) women and 771 (49%) men in the study population. Women were diagnosed with significant TR at an older age compared with men (72 [62 to 79] years vs. 70 [61 to 77] years; p = 0.003). The TR etiology in women was more often left valvular disease related and isolated whereas men more often had LV dysfunction related TR. In the total population women had better 10-year survival compared with men (49% vs. 39%; p=0.001). After propensity score matching, the influence of sex on survival was neutralized (p = 0.228) but the TR etiologies remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality. Patients with left valvular disease or LV dysfunction related TR had lower survival compared with patients with primary TR (p = 0.004 and p = 0.019, respectively). In conclusion, long-term survival of patients with significant TR was similar between men and women after propensity score matching, while the etiology of TR remained significantly associated with all-cause mortality.

Right Ventricular Longitudinal Strain Predicts Survival in Patients With Functional Tricuspid Regurgitation.

BACKGROUND: Functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) is a frequent finding in echocardiography. Despite general consent that right ventricular (RV) dysfunction impacts outcome of patients with TR, it is still unknown which echocardiographic parameters most accurately reflect prognosis. In this study we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of RV dysfunction and its prognostic value in patients with TR. METHODS: Data from 1089 consecutive patients were analysed. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), fractional area change, and right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain (RV strain) were used to define RV dysfunction. Patients were followed for 2-year all-cause mortality. For prediction of survival, reclassification and C statistics of RV functional parameters using TR grade as reference model were performed. RESULTS: Among the patients studied, 13.9% showed no TR, 61.2% had mild TR, 19.6% had moderate TR, and 5.3% had severe TR. The TR grade was associated with increased mortality (log rank, P < 0.001). Impaired RV strain and TAPSE were independent predictors for mortality (RV: hazard ratio [HR], 1.130; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.099-1.160; P < 0.001; TAPSE: HR, 1.131; 95% CI, 1.085-1.175; P < 0.001). Both RV strain and TAPSE improved the reference model for survival prediction (RV: integrated discrimination improvement [IDI], 0.184; 95% CI, 0.146-0.221; P < 0.001; TAPSE: IDI, 0.057; 95% CI, 0.037-0.077; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiographic evaluation of RV function appears to useful for patients with TR. Assessment of RV strain provides additional value for prediction of 2-year mortality.

Management and Outcome of Patients Admitted With Tricuspid Regurgitation in France.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence shows a major outcome impact and undertreatment of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), but large and comprehensive contemporary reports of management and outcome at the nationwide level are lacking. METHODS: We gathered all consecutive patients admitted with a diagnosis of likely functional TR in 2014-2015 in France from the Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information national database and collected rate of surgery, in-hospital mortality, 1-year mortality, or heart failure (HF) readmission rates. RESULTS: In 2014-2015, 17,676 consecutive patients (75 ± 14 years of age, 51% female) were admitted with a TR diagnosis. Charlson index was ≥ 2 in 56% of the population and 46% presented with HF. TR was associated with prior cardiac surgery, ischemic/dilated cardiomyopathy, or mitral regurgitation in 73% of patients. Only 10% of TR patients overall and 67% of those undergoing mitral valve surgery received a tricuspid valve intervention. Among the 13,654 (77%) conservatively managed patients, in-hospital mortality, 1-year mortality, and 1-year mortality or HF readmission rates were 5.1%, 17.8%, and 41%, respectively, overall, and 5.3%,17.2%, and 37%, respectively, among those with no underlying medical conditions (8-fold higher than predicted for age and gender). CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide cohort of patients admitted with TR included elderly patients with frequent comorbidities/underlying cardiac diseases. In patients conservatively managed, mortality and morbidity were considerably high over a short time span. Despite this poor prognosis, only 10% of patients underwent a tricuspid valve intervention. These nationwide data showing a considerable risk and potential underuse of treatment highlight the critical need to develop strategies to improve the management and outcomes of TR patients.

Mortality after tricuspid valve procedures: A 27-year, single-center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To assess mortality after tricuspid valve (TV) surgery in a large single-center patient cohort. METHODS: Data from 392 TV procedures performed between 1989 and 2015 in 388 adult patients were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into groups according to the type of concomitant procedure, ie, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (TV + CABG group; n = 87), other valve surgery (TV + valve group; n = 240), or an isolated TV procedure with or without another minor procedure (isolated TV group; n = 65), and the era of the operation, ie, 1989-2005 (n = 173) or 2006-2015 (n = 219). Control groups of patients who underwent other valve procedures and/or CABG during the same time periods were used for comparison. RESULTS: During the most recent era, the annual number of TV procedures increased 2.4-fold, mainly for TV + valve procedures (2.8-fold). Within the TV + valve group, a larger proportion of patients had mild-to-moderate tricuspid regurgitation (grade ≤2) compared with the first-time period (P = .001). The TV + CABG group had significantly greater mortality than both the other groups during both time periods, whereas isolated TV procedure had the lowest mortality rates with the exception of the TV + valve group during the most recent era (P = .41). Survival for patients undergoing TV + valve procedures has improved significantly during the last decade (P = .001) and was comparable with that for other valve operations during this period. CONCLUSIONS: In the last decade, TV repair has been performed more frequently and at lower grades of tricuspid regurgitation compared with previously, and mortality after TV procedures has decreased.