This relatively uncommon disorder obstructs blood flow from the right atrium to the right ventricle, which causes the right atrium to dilate and hypertrophy. Eventually, this leads to right-sided heart failure and increases pressure in the vena cava.

Tricuspid stenosis seldom occurs alone and is most commonly associated with mitral stenosis. It's most common in women.

Causes of Tricuspid Stenosis

Although this disorder is caused most commonly by rheumatic fever, it also may be congenital .

Signs & Symptoms of Tricuspid Stenosis

Tricuspid stenosis may cause some or all of the following symptoms:

Abdominal discomfort from enlarged liver
Abdominal swelling
Fatigue
Fluttering discomfort around your neck
Leg and ankle swelling

Diagnostic Tests

Cardiac catheterization shows an increased pressure gradient across the valve, increased right atrial pressure, and decreased cardiac output.

Chest X-rays demonstrate right atrial and superior vena cava enlargement.

Echocardiography indicates thick tricuspid valve and right atrial enlargement.

Electrocardiography reveals right atrial hypertrophy, right or left ventricular hypertrophy, and atrial fibrillation. Tall, peaked P waves appear in lead II and prominent, upright P waves appear in lead VI.

Treatment

In tricuspid stenosis, treatment is based on the patient's symptoms. A sodium-restricted diet and diuretics can help to reduce hepatic congestion before surgery.

A patient with moderate to severe stenosis probably requires open-heart surgery for valvulotomy or valve replacement. Valvuloplasty may be performed on elderly patients with end-stage disease in the cardiac catheterization laboratory.

Prevention Tips

Take your medications as prescribed.
Exercise as tolerated.
Restrict the fluid and salt in your diet if symptoms of heart failure are present.
Do not overexert yourself. If easy exercise is becoming difficult, rest until examined by your doctor.

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