title: Beneficial effect of balloon mitral valvotomy in reducing severity of associated tricuspid regurgitation.
abstract: This study was done to find out whether successful balloon mitral valvotomy (BMV) reduces the severity of associated functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR), and if so, which variables predict this reduction. Of the 177 consecutive patients who underwent BMV, 53 were found to have functional TR. 2D echocardiography (Echo) with color Doppler was done before and 24-48 hours after BMV. Using the apical four-chamber view, the severity of TR was assessed by comparing the ratio of maximal tricuspid regurgitant jet area (TRA) to right atrial area (RAA). There was a significant reduction in TRA:RAA, after BMV (0.26 to 0.12; p < 0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that the predictors of TR reduction were: age less than 24 years (r = 0.56, p < 0.004), cardiothoracic ratio measured on chest X-ray > 60% (r = 0.43, p < 0.002) and pre-BMV pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) > 50 mm Hg (r = 0.51, p < 0.001).
authors.affiliation: Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Sambasivam
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jose
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chandy
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Joseph
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002404:Catheterization; D018618:Echocardiography, Doppler, Color; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008946:Mitral Valve Stenosis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011669:Pulmonary Wedge Pressure / Q000502:physiology; D012214:Rheumatic Heart Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D014262:Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000517:prevention & control*