Progression of Isolated Tricuspid Regurgitation Late after Mitral Valve Surgery for Rheumatic Mitral Valve Disease
Chisato Izumi MD, Kanji Iga MD, Takashi Konishi MD

Among 208 patients who underwent mitral valve surgery, severe isolated tricuspid regurgitation was detected in 30 cases (14%) at four to 24 years postoperatively. Of these 30 patients, 23 were treated medically, and seven had tricuspid valve surgery. Medical treatment was effective for several years, but some patients showed progressive functional deterioration and their prognosis was poor. Prognosis was also poor among patients who were in NYHA class IV and underwent tricuspid valve surgery. Early surgical treatment should be considered in symptomatic patients, even when receiving medical treatment.