Traumatic tricuspid insufficiency
Vayre, F.; Richard, P.; Ollivier, J.P.
Archives des Maladies du Coeur et des Vaisseaux 89(4): 459-463
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9683 PMID: 8763006 Document Number: 458214
Traumatic tricuspid insufficiency is a rare condition. The diagnosis is difficult because of the slow progression of this pathology and the presence of more clinically acute lesions. Non-penetrating chest trauma is responsible for 90% of cases. Echocardiography is the investigation of choice for assessing the mechanism of the tricuspid regurgitation and for diagnosing associated lesions. It should be performed systematically in patients with multiple trauma. The surgical indications are difficult to determine and depend on the patients' symptoms and the type of anatomical lesions. It should be undertaken before right ventricular myocardial dysfunction. Several techniques may be used from valvuloplasty to valve replacement mainly with bioprostheses in symptomatic patients.