Atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation: An underappreciated cause of secondary tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract

Secondary tricuspid regurgitation (TR) caused by right ventricular enlargement in the setting of left heart disease/pulmonary hypertension has been well described. In contrast, that associated with right atrial enlargement-atrial functional TR (AF-TR)-remains largely underappreciated. AF-TR most often occurs in the setting of lone atrial fibrillation, although it is also seen in its absence (idiopathic AF-TR). Several recent studies have found that the prevalence, hemodynamic significance, and prognosis of AF-TR are not inconsequential, suggesting increased physician awareness of this novel clinical entity is warranted. This article discusses the pathogenesis, echocardiographic findings, and treatment of this underappreciated cause of secondary TR.

Keywords: atrial functional tricuspid regurgitation; lone atrial fibrillation; secondary tricuspid regurgitation; tricuspid annulus; tricuspid valve repair.