Reconstruction and analysis of K-Clip surgery process based on finite element method / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective     To investigate the effects of different types of tricuspid regurgitation, implantation positions, and device models on the treatment outcomes of K-Clip for tricuspid regurgitation using numerical simulations. Methods     Three-dimensional reconstruction of the heart model was performed based on CT images. Two different regurgitation orifices were obtained by modifying the standard parameterized tricuspid valve leaflets and chordae tendineae. The effects of different K-Clip models at different implantation positions (posterior leaflet midpoint, anterior-posterior commissure, anterior leaflet midpoint, posterior septal commissure) were simulated using commercial explicit dynamics software Ls-Dyna. Conclusion     For the two types of regurgitation in this study, clipping at the posterior leaflet midpoint resulted in a better reduction of the regurgitation orifice (up to 75% reduction in area). Higher clamping forces were required for implantation at the anterior leaflet midpoint and posterior septal commissure, which was unfavorable for the smooth closure of the clipping components. There was no statistical difference in the treatment outcomes between the 18T and 16T K-Clip components, and the 16T component required less clamping force. Therefore, the use of the 16T K-Clip component is recommended.

Valoración de la relación clínico-ultrasonográfica en la estenosis aórtica

Introducción: El incremento exponencial de la incidencia de la estenosis aórtica en relación con la edad, al igual que la presencia de factores de riesgo como el síndrome metabólico, predisponen a la calcificación aórtica como una manifestación de enfermedad cardiovascular generalizada. Objetivo: Identificar las incongruencias existentes entre las manifestaciones clínicas y el estudio ecocardiográfico en pacientes con estenosis valvular aórtica severa. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo-analítico en una muestra conformada por 50 pacientes diagnosticados, clínica y ecográficamente, de estenosis aórtica severa. Resultados: Se halló predomino de féminas blancas de la tercera edad con historia de dolor anginoso y disnea, acompañados de soplo mesosistólico intenso en foco aórtico, y un segundo ruido débil, y cifras tensionales bajas con pocos criterios ultrasonográficos de hipertrofia del ventrículo izquierdo y velocidad pico, unido al gradiente y el área aórtica, sugestivos de estenosis severa en un elevado por ciento, con calcificación de válvulas y una fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo elevada, junto a la presencia de otras valvulopatías. Conclusiones: El estudio demostró pobre correlación entre las manifestaciones clínicas y las ecocardiográficas.

Introduction: The exponential increase of aortic stenosis incidence in relation to age, as well as the presence of risk factors such as metabolic syndrome, predispose to aortic calcification as a manifestation of a generalized cardiovascular disease. Objective: To identify the incongruences existing between clinical manifestations and the echocardiographic study in patients with severe aortic valvular stenosis. Materials and methods: An analytical-descriptive study was carried out in a sample of 50 patients clinically and echo-graphically diagnosed of severe aortic stenosis. Results: A predominance of elder white women with a history of anginous pain and dyspnea was found, accompanied of intense meso-systolic murmur in aortic focus, and a second weak sound, and low blood tension figures with few ultrasonographic criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy and peak velocity, together with gradient and aortic area, which suggest a high-percent of severe stenosis, with valvular calcification and an elevated left ventricular elevation fraction, plus the presence of other valvular diseases. Conclusions: The study showed poor relationship between clinical and echocardiography manifestations.

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)

The clinical impact of tricuspid regurgitation in patients with a biatrial orthotopic heart transplant / 医学前沿

In this study, we aim to elucidate the clinical impact and long-term course of tricuspid regurgitation (TR), taking into account its dynamic nature, after biatrial orthotopic heart transplant (OHT). All consecutive adult patients undergoing biatrial OHT (1984-2017) with an available follow-up echocardiogram were included. Mixed-models were used to model the evolution of TR. The mixed-model was inserted into a Cox model in order to address the association of the dynamic TR with mortality. In total, 572 patients were included (median age: 50 years, males: 74.9%). Approximately 32% of patients had moderate-to-severe TR immediately after surgery. However, this declined to 11% on 5 years and 9% on 10 years after surgery, adjusted for survival bias. Pre-implant mechanical support was associated with less TR during follow-up, whereas concurrent LV dysfunction was significantly associated with more TR during follow-up. Survival at 1, 5, 10, 20 years was 97% ± 1%, 88% ± 1%, 66% ± 2% and 23% ± 2%, respectively. The presence of moderate-to-severe TR during follow-up was associated with higher mortality (HR: 1.07, 95% CI (1.02-1.12), p = 0.006). The course of TR was positively correlated with the course of creatinine (R = 0.45). TR during follow-up is significantly associated with higher mortality and worse renal function. Nevertheless, probability of TR is the highest immediately after OHT and decreases thereafter. Therefore, it may be reasonable to refrain from surgical intervention for TR during earlier phase after OHT.

Concomitant repair of moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation during mitral valve surgery improves early and mid-term prognosis of tricuspid valve and right heart function / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the effect of concomitant tricuspid valve repair during mitral valve surgery on the early and mid-term prognosis of the tricuspid valve and right heart function in the patients with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation. Methods    A retrospective study of 461 patients with mitral valve disease requiring cardiac surgery combined with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation in our hospital from 2011 to 2014 was done. They were 309 males and 152 females with a median age of 53.00 (44.00, 60.00) years. According to whether they received tricuspid valve repair (Kay’s annuloplasty, DeVega’s annuloplasty or annular ring implantation), the patients were divided into a mitral valve surgery only group (a nTAP group, n=289) and a concomitant tricuspid valve repair group (a TAP group, n=172). At the same time, 43 patients whose tricuspid valve annulus diameter was less than 40 mm in the TAP group were analyzed in subgroups. Results    The median follow-up duration was 3.00 years (range from 0.10 to 9.30 years). There was no perioperative death. Three months after surgery, the anteroposterior diameter of the right ventricle in the TAP group was significantly improved compared with that in the nTAP group [–1.00 (–3.00, 1.00) mm vs. 0.00 (–0.20, 2.00) mm, P=0.048]. Three years after surgery, the improvement of right ventricular anteroposterior diameter in the TAP group was still significant compared with the nTAP group [–1.00 (–2.75, 2.00) mm vs. 2.00 (–0.75, 4.00) mm, P=0.014], and the patients in the TAP group were less likely to develop moderate or more tricuspid regurgitation (3.64% vs. 35.64%, P<0.001). Annuloplasty ring implantation was more effective in preventing regurgitation progression (P=0.044). For patients with a tricuspid annulus diameter less than 40 mm, concomitant tricuspid valve repair was still effective in improving the anteroposterior diameter of the right ventricle in the early follow-up (P=0.036). Conclusion     Concomitant tricuspid valve repair for patients with moderate or less tricuspid regurgitation during mitral valve surgery can effectively improve the tricuspid valve and right heart function in the early and mid-term after surgery. Annuloplasty ring implantation is more effective in preventing regurgitation progression. Patients whose tricuspid annulus diameter is less than 40 mm can also benefit from concomitant tricuspid repair.

Progress of transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with atrioventricular regurgitation / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#As the indications for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) expand, multi-valve lesions are becoming more common in clinical practice. Moderate to severe atrioventricular regurgitation, particularly when persistent after TAVR, significantly increases the risk of adverse events. Therefore, many studies have evaluated factors that contribute to the improvement of atrioventricular regurgitation. However, this field remains controversial due to the heterogeneity of retrospective studies and the lack of randomized controlled trials. Despite advances in atrioventricular valve intervention techniques, evidence for atrioventricular regurgitation intervention after TAVR is still scarce. The management decision for atrioventricular regurgitation in patients who underwent TAVR is complex and must take into account the severity of valve disease, anatomical characteristics, quality of life, and procedural complexity. We conducted a review of atrioventricular regurgitation in patients who have received TAVR in hope that it will help decision-making in clinical practice.

Quantitative evaluation of right atrial function in fetuses with moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation by two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE) in measuring the global longitudinal peak strain of the right atrium (PRAGLS) in normal fetuses and evaluating PRAGLS in assessing right atrial function in fetuses with moderate and severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR).Methods:A total of 25 fetuses diagnosed with moderate and severe TR, who underwent fetal echocardiography at Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University College of Medicine between October 2020 and May 2022, were selected as the case group. Their gestational age ranged from 25.00(24.00, 30.00)weeks. Additionally, 100 normal singleton fetuses were chosen as the control group, with a gestational age of 25.83(23.00, 28.75)weeks. Standard basal or apical four-chamber clips were acquired and inputted into TOMTEC-ARENA offline cardiac analysis software for analysis. The fetal PRAGLS values of the two groups were obtained, as well as the routine obstetric ultrasound measurements and fetal echocardiographic parameters of both groups: fetal heart rate (FHR), biparietal diameter (BPD), femur length (FL), aortic annulus inner diameter (AO), pulmonary annulus inner diameter (PA), PA/AO ratio, right atrial end-systolic length (RAESL), right atrial end-systolic diameter (RAESD), right atrial end-systolic area (RAESA), right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVEDD), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). The peak TR velocity and pressure gradient were simultaneously measured in the case group.The differences in fetal PRAGLS and other parameters between the two groups were compared and analyzed. The correlation between fetal PRAGLS and gestational age (GA) and routine measurements was assessed for both groups. Intra- and inter-observer repeatability tests were conducted using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC).Results:A significant difference in PRAGLS was observed between the two groups ( t=11.55, P<0.01). The TAPSE difference between the two groups was also statistically significant ( Z=3.45, P=0.01). Notable differences were found in AO, PA, PA/AO, RAESL, RAESD, and RAESA between the two groups (all P<0.05), but no significant differences were identified in age, GA, FHR, BPD, FL, and RVEDD between the two groups (all P>0.05). PRAGLS in the control group exhibited a moderate negative correlation with GA ( r=-0.47, P<0.01) and were correlated with BPD, FL, AO, PA, RAESL, RAESD, RAESA, and RVEDD ( r=-0.50, -0.46, -0.39, -0.43, -0.45, -0.36, -0.43, -0.32, all P<0.05). No significant correlation was observed with maternal age, FHR, PA/AO, and TAPSE (all P>0.05). No significant correlation between PRAGLS and GA or other conventional parameters was found in the case group (all P>0.05). The inter-measurer and intra-measurer ICC of PRAGLS in the control group were 0.87 and 0.79, respectively, while the inter-measurer and intra-measurer ICC of PRAGLS in the case group were 0.94 and 0.97, respectively, demonstrating good consistency. Conclusions:2D-STE exhibits strong feasibility and reproducibility in assessing fetal atrial function.Fetuses with moderate and severe TR display decreased PRAGLS, suggesting impaired right atrial reservoir function. Right atrial strain introduces a novel method for evaluating fetal cardiac function.

Evaluation of functional tricuspid regurgitant valves and right heart structural and functional changes by four-dimensional auto quantitative techniques / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To comprehensively evaluate the tricuspid valve, right heart anatomical characteristics and related dynamic parameters in patients with different degrees of functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR) using four-dimensional auto tricuspid valve quantitative(4D Auto TVQ), four-dimensional auto right ventricle quantitative(4D Auto RVQ), and four-dimensional auto left atrium quantitative(4D Auto LAQ), and to investigate the structural and functional changes of the tricuspid valve and right heart in them.Methods:Sixty-three patients with FTR diagnosed by echocardiography at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from February to July 2022 were prospectively selected as the case group, including 30 patients with mild FTR and 33 patients with moderate or above FTR, and 30 healthy subjects were selected as the control group. Transthoracic echocardiography was used for two-dimensional and three-dimensional image acquisition of the heart. The tricuspid regurgitation volume, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), right ventricular global strain (RVGS) were measured by 2D images, and pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) were measured from the tricuspid regurgitation pressure difference. The 3D images were imported into EchoPAC 204 to obtain the tricuspid valve, right heart structure and related dynamic parameters. The annulus area (AA), annulus perimeter(AP), spherical index (SI), annulus area change fraction (AC), coaptation point height (CPH), and tenting volume (TV) were measured by 4D Auto TVQ. The right atrial maximum volume (RAVmax) and right atrial minimum volume (RAVmin) were measured by 4D Auto LAQ. Right ventricular end-diastolic volume (RVEDV), right ventricular end-systolic volume (RVESV), right ventricular fractional area change (RVFAC) and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) were measured by 4D Auto RVQ. After standardizing the dimension parameters with body surface area (BSA), the differences in the above parameters were compared between the three groups, the correlation between regurgitant volume and each parameter was compared by correlation analysis, and the independent factors of increased tricuspid regurgitant volume were investigated by univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.Results:There were statistically significant differences in PASP, AA/BSA, AP/BSA, AC, TV, RAVmax/BSA, RAVmin/BSA, RVFAC, RVGS, and TAPSE between the three groups (all P<0.05). There were statistically significant differences in LVEF, CPH, RVEDV/BSA, and RVESV/BSA in the moderate and above FTR group compared with the control and mild FTR groups (all P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that RAVmin was the most highly correlated with tricuspid regurgitant volume ( r=0.875, P<0.001) and TV and end-systolic annulus area(ESAA) were highly correlated with tricuspid regurgitant volume ( r=0.747, 0.683; both P<0.001) in patients with FTR. Multifactorial linear regression showed that RAVmin, TV and regurgitant volume were independently positively correlated (β=0.721, 0.205; both P<0.05). Conclusions:The four quantification technique can provide valid structural and functional information by quantifying the tricuspid valve as well as the right heart in patients with FTR, and RAVmin and TV are independent correlates of increased tricuspid regurgitant volume.

Real-time monitoring and step-by-step guidance for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty using transesophageal echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) interventions are under rapid development. The K-Clip? system is the first domestic transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty system with unique clamping procedure to achieve annular reduction.Intraoperative echocardiographic monitoring procedures for transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty have not been reported yet in China. Thus, this review aimed to propose the standard two-dimensional and three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic workplanes and procedures to guide and monitor the implantation of K-Clip system based on our experience in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University to provide a reference point for the intraoperative echocardiographic monitoring of future transcatheter tricuspid annuloplasty devices in China.

Transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement via vena jugularis interna: A case report / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#We reported a 54-year-old female patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation, who received mechanic valve in the mitral position 15 years ago. The patient’s Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 8.27%, and was intolerant to open heart surgery, so she was recommended for transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement via right vena jugularis interna. The procedures were guided by echocardiography and X ray fluoroscopy on November 13, 2021, the prosthesis was implanted successfully, and the patient was recoved without any adverse events. After 1 month follow-up, her general condition was apparently improved.

Association between cardiovascular implantable electronic devices and tricuspid regurgitation: a case-control study / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#Cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) are widely used in the modern era. Every year, about 730,000 permanent pacemakers and 330,000 CIEDs are implanted worldwide. CIEDs have been known to increase the life expectancy of millions of people and improve their quality of life by controlling the heart rate and atrioventricular and interventricular synchronization and preventing sudden cardiac death.[1] The tricuspid valve consists of the annulus, leaflets, chordae tendineae, and papillary muscles. Interaction between the endocardial lead and any component of this structure can lead to tricuspid valve dysfunction, thereby resulting in tricuspid regurgitation (TR).[2] CIED-related TR has been shown to be an independent predictor of hospitalization for heart failure.[3,4]

A Case of Surgical Repair for End-Stage Tricuspid Regurgitation with Severe Liver Dysfunction and Hepatic Encephalopathy / 日本心臓血管外科学会雑誌

We report the case of a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation and severe liver dysfunction who was successfully treated by tricuspid valve repair with spiral suspension and perioperative management of high cardiac output. The patient was a 77-year-old woman who presented with chronic atrial fibrillation with bradycardia (heart rate approximately 50 bpm). She had been diagnosed with severe tricuspid valve and mitral valve regurgitation at the age of 74. As her heart failure and hepatic failure grew worse, and hepatic encephalopathy also occurred, she was admitted to the hospital. Her Child-Pugh score for liver disease was Grade C at the preoperative assessment, suggesting that she was in the high-risk category for open heart surgery. Therefore, further medical treatment was required before selecting the surgical treatment. After the implantation of a pacemaker (VVI mode, 80 bpm), the cardiac output increased with a cardiac index of 5.17 L/min/m2 compared with 2.97 L/min/m2 prior to pacemaker implantation. Furthermore, the symptoms of heart failure improved and total bilirubin decreased from 3.9 mg/dl to 1.7 mg/dl, and surgery was performed. Tricuspid regurgitation was treated with spiral suspension, and mitral regurgitation due to annular dilation was treated with annuloplasty. Following the surgery, the cardiac index was maintained from 4.3 L/min/m2 to 5.8 L/min/m2 with central venous pressure below 10 mmHg by the assistance of intra-aortic balloon pumping. The patient was extubated 30 h after surgery, and was discharged on postoperative day 54. At the time of discharge, total bilirubin was 1.5 mg/dl. At 1.5 post-operative years, the patient is New York Heart Association functional Class II and tricuspid valve regurgitation is mild.

Preoperative assessment of tricuspid valve replacement with LuX-Valve by CT: our initial exploration / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of CT in preoperative assessment of tricuspid valve replacement with LuX-Valve.Methods:145 consecutive patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation from October 2020 to April 2021 were selected. The multi-slice spiral CT (256 slice and above) scans were used to measure related indicators. Then analyses were made to determine whether the patients were suitable for valves replacement and to select the appropriate valve model.Results:49 cases were excluded after CT measurements, including 8 cases because of the values of the valve annulus and the remaining 41 due to comprehensive indicators includes: valve annulus size and shape, fixation method and operational safety. A total of 96 TTVR operations were performed, of which 6 were treated with thoracic surgery, 1 had moderate valve regurgitation, and the rest had no or mild regurgitation or paravalvular leaks. The operations showed a high success rate of 92.7%. After comprehensive analysis, it was found that among the 89 successful tricuspid valve replacements with LuX-Valve, 26 cases had annulus models consistent with the measurements of the diameter from tricuspid annular circumferences, while the remaining 63 had valve models larger than the diameter measurements. The results indicate that the size of right atrium was statistically significant to the enlargement of the valve size.Conclusion:CT has important application value in the preoperative screening of TTVR. For non-radial force LuX-Valve, the annulus size is not the only decisive factor, and the valve model should be comprehensively judged considering all the measurement indicators.

Varizes pulsáteis simulando aneurisma de artéria femoral: relato de caso / Pulsatile varicose veins simulating femoral artery aneurysm: case report

Resumo A regurgitação tricúspide severa é citada como fator associado ao desenvolvimento ou à recidiva de varizes em membros inferiores as quais podem, retrogradamente, apresentar um fluxo pulsátil. O diagnóstico etiológico diferencial desse achado ultrassonográfico deve ser feito com a pesquisa de fístulas arteriovenosas, tendo em vista as diferentes formas de tratamento. Dada a complexidade do estado geral dos pacientes com regurgitação tricúspide, a escolha do tratamento das varizes pulsáteis deve ser individualizada, fruto de uma avaliação multidisciplinar. Fazem parte do arsenal terapêutico todas as técnicas habitualmente empregadas no tratamento de varizes, bem como a associações entre elas a serem escolhidas levando-se em conta a gravidade das manifestações clínicas e o risco cardiovascular envolvido. Relatamos um caso de varizes pulsáteis secundárias a regurgitação tricúspide, diagnosticado durante a suspeita primária de aneurisma de artéria femoral em paciente de 73 anos, com a classificação clínica da doença venosa (CEAP) 4a, oligossintomática, tratada com medidas posturais e elastocompressão.

Abstract Severe tricuspid regurgitation is mentioned as a factor associated with development or recurrence of varicose veins in the lower limbs and may present with retrograde pulsatile flow. Differential etiological diagnosis of this ultrasound finding must include investigation of arteriovenous fistulas, since the treatment methods are different. Given the complexity of the general condition of patients with tricuspid regurgitation, treatment for pulsatile varices should be chosen on a case-by-case basis after multidisciplinary evaluation. All of the techniques commonly used to treat varicose veins are part of the therapeutic arsenal, as well as combinations of them, taking into account the severity of clinical manifestations and the cardiovascular risk involved. We report a case of pulsatile varices secondary to tricuspid regurgitation diagnosed when investigating a primary suspicion of femoral artery aneurysm in a 73-year-old patient, CEAP 4a, oligosymptomatic, who was treated with postural measures and elastic compression.

Clover technique for the treatment of complex tricuspid valveinsufficiency / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:This study assesses the results of the clover technique for the treatment of tricuspid regurgitation(TR) due to severe prolapse or tethering.Methods:From March 2016 to November 2018, 28 patients with severe TR due to prolapsing or tethered or adhesion leaflets underwent clover technique. Annuloplasty was associated in 27 patients(97%). The aetiology of TR was rheumatic in 19 cases(68%), subacute bacterial endocarditis in 4(14%), degenerative in 3(11%) and ischemia of right ventricular(the peacing leads compress the septum leaflet in 1 case) in 2(7%). The main mechanism of TR was prolapse/flail of one leaflet in 7 patients(23%), of two leaflets in 13 patients(46%) and of all three leaflets in 6 patients(21%). The remaining 2 patients(7%) presented with severe leaflets’tethering.Results:None deaths occurred during hospitalisation and one patient dischargedvoluntary 12 days after surgery. Follow-up of the 27 hospital survivors was 100% complete[mean length(1.2±0.8)years, range 0.25-1.70 years]. At the last echocardiogram, no or mild TR was detected in 25 patients(88.7%), moderate(2+ /4+ ) in two(9.6%) and severe(4+ /4+ ) in one patient(3.6%). Mean tricuspid valve area and gradient were(4.3±0.6 )cm 2 and(2.8±1.4)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). There was no obvious valve stenosis in all cases. In all patients, echocardiography was performed and no signs of tricuspid stenosis were detected. At the multivariable analysis, the degree of TR at hospital discharge was identified as the only predictor of TR 2+ at follow-up. Conclusion:Clover procedure is simple and safe in the surgical management of various causes of TR besides severe tethering and calcification, it is an effective supplementary measure for annuloplasty.

Prenatal diagnosis of isolated tricuspid valve dysplasia by echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To improve the prenatal recognition and diagnostic accuracy of isolated tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) by analyzing fetal echocardiographic features.Methods:The fetal echocardiographic features of 7 cases with prenatal diagnosis of TVD were analyzed retrospectively in Pediatric Cardiovascular Center, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University and Children′s Hospital of Shanxi from June 2012 to December 2020. The fetal echocardiographic characteristics of TVD were summarized.Results:Among the 7 fetuses with TVD, 6 cases showed functional pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum and different degrees of pulmonary valve regurgitation, and 1 case showed slightly narrowed pulmonary artery. Characteristic sonographical findings included: ①The axis of heart was exaggerated left-axis deviation and the ratio of cardiothoracic was obviously increased. The right heart was enlarged, in which the right atrium was significantly dilated (an important feature of TVD). ②The position of tricuspid valve ring was normal, the attachment point of each leaf was normal, some tricuspid valves were thickened and insufficiency. ③It was common to be complicated with functional pulmonary valve atresia with intact ventricular septum or severe pulmonary valve stenosis. ④Color Doppler imaging showed severe tricuspid regurgitation and the regurgitation velocity was less than 350 cm/s (an important feature of TVD). ⑤In fetus with functional pulmonary valve atresia with intact ventricular septum, color Doppler imaging showed retrograded ductal flow across the pulmonary artery and the different degrees regurgitation of pulmonary valve.Conclusions:Fetal TVD has typical echocardiographic features, mainly including large tricuspid regurgitation and significant enlargement of the right atrium. The prognosis of fetus with functional pulmonary atresia is poor. Early diagnosis plays a crucial role in prenatal consultation and prognosis evaluation.

Evaluation of morphological and structure parameters of tricuspid in patients with functional tricuspid regurgitation using real-time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography / 中华超声影像学杂志

Objective:To explore the morphological parameters of tricuspid in patients with moderate or above functional tricuspid regurgitation (FTR ) by real-time three-dimensional (3D) transthoracic echocardiography.Methods:A total of 31 moderate or above FTR(FTR group) and 36 healthy adults(control group) were included in the study from May to July 2020 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (Xijing Hospital). Two-dimensional (2D) and 3D echoardiography were performed on both FTR group and control group. The 2D parameters included tricuspid regurgitation (TR), transverse diameter of right atrium/ ventricle, transverse diameter of tricuspid annulus(TVD), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS). The tricuspid 3D parameters were analyzed by TomTec software, including annular parameters[annular anterior-posterior diameter (AP), annular left-right diameter (AL-PM), sphericity index (SI=AP/AL-PM), non-planar angle (NPA), annulus circumference (AC), annulus area (AA), annulus height (AH)], leaflet parameters[tenting volume(TV), tenting area(TA), tenting heigh(TH), commissural diameter(CD)], and dynamic parameters[annular displacement max(ADmax), annulus area fraction(AAF)].Results:Compared with the control group, AP, AL-PM, SI, AC, AA, TV, TA parameters of FTR group were larger, ADmax was smaller (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression model was used to evaluate the effects of RA, RV, AP, AL-PM, SI, TV, TA on FTR, and the results showed that FTR was associated with TV and TA( t=4.253, -2.14; all P<0.05). Conclusions:RT-3DE can be used to assess the morphological parameters of tricuspid valve with moderate or above FTR patients effectively. TV and TA are the two most important factors for moderate or above FTR.

Vena cava superior izquierda persistente, agenesia de vena cava superior derecha e insuficiencia tricuspídea / Persistent left superior vena cava, absence of the right superior vena cava and tricuspid regurgitation

Resumen La persistencia de una vena cava superior izquierda en la población general representa una de las malformaciones del retorno venoso torácico más frecuentes, sin embargo su asociación con agenesia de la vena cava superior derecha e insuficiencia tricuspídea son hallazgos extremadamente infrecuentes.

Abstract The persistence of a left superior vena cava in the general population represents one of the most frequent thoracic venous return malformations, however its association with abscence of the right superior vena cava and tricuspid regurgitation are extremely rare findings.

Endocarditis infecciosa de la válvula tricúspide asociada con meningitis aséptica: presentación infrecuente en una niña / Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis associated with aseptic meningitis: a rare presentation in a child

La endocarditis infecciosa es infrecuente pero potencialmente mortal. Las presentaciones atípicas retrasan el diagnóstico. El compromiso neurológico es habitual en la endocarditis de la válvula mitral, aunque infrecuente en la endocarditis de la válvula tricúspide. Si bien se han informado algunos casos e el del lado derecho con síntomas neurológicos en adultos, en la bibliografía no se ha descripto en niños. Se presenta una niña de 9 años con comunicación interventricular (CIV) congénita con fiebre, cefalea y rigidez de nuca. Sus síntomas clínicos y los hallazgos en el líquido cefalorraquídeo respaldaron el diagnóstico de meningitis aséptica. El día 3 del tratamiento con ceftriaxona, se resolvieron los síntomas; tras nueve días, reingresó con fiebre y rigidez de nuca. Un ecocardiograma mostró endocarditis de la válvula tricúspide. Recibió tratamiento antibiótico durante 6 semanas. Se realizó una cirugía cardíaca para la CIV y la insuficiencia de la válvula tricúspide.

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a rare but a potentially life-threatening infectious disease. Atypical presentations cause delays in the diagnosis. Neurological involvement such as meningitis or meningismus, are especially common in mitral valve endocarditis, but unusual in tricuspid valve endocarditis. Although few cases of right-sided IE have been reported with neurological symptoms in adults, children have not been described in literature. A nine-year-old girl with congenital ventricular septal defect (VSD) was admitted with fever, headache and neck stiffness. Her clinical symptoms and cerebrospinal fluid findings supported the aseptic meningitis. On ceftriaxone therapy day 3, her complaints were resolved; nine days later she was admitted with fever and neck stiffness again. Further investigation for fever source with echocardiogram revealed a tricuspid valve endocarditis. Antibiotic therapy was completed after 6 weeks. Cardiac surgery was performed for VSD and tricuspid valvular insufficiency.