Introduction:
Little is known regarding the evolution and clinical impact of moderate tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in patients undergoing mitral valve replacement (MVR). This natural history study was conducted to determine:
the predictors of TR progression and
the impact of TR progression on late survival.
Methods:
Between 1989 and 2005, 352 patients (mean age 63.5 ± 12.4y) who underwent mitral valve replacement with contemporary prostheses (mechanical/bioprostheses = 70%/30%) were followed for the evaluation of their concomitant tricuspid regurgitation (mean grade 2.0+ at mitral surgery). These patients did not undergo concomitant tricuspid valve repair or replacement. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was performed in 34% of patients, with a mean of 2.1 grafts. Clinical and echocardiographic follow-up was 100% complete and averaged 5.7 ± 3.9 years. Parametric and semi-parametric techniques were used to determine predictors of outcomes.
Results:
Thirty-day mortality was 2.2%. Postoperative progression of TR was noted in 36% of patients. Multivariate predictors of TR progression included female gender (odds ratio (OR) 10.3; p=0.03) and right ventricular systolic pressures ≥ 50 mmHg preoperatively (OR 8.1; p=0.05). Atrial fibrillation, concomitant CABG, the degree of preoperative mitral regurgitation, and mitral prosthesis size were not predictive of TR progression. TR progression in patients whose TR was 2+ or more at the time of initial surgery was associated with significantly decreased late survival (hazard ratio 3.7; p=0.05).
Conclusions:
Based on these data, it appears that if TR is not surgically corrected at time of MVR, it may progressively worsen over time in a sizable proportion of patients. In patients with TR 2+ or more at the time of MVR, TR progression is associated with decreased late survival. It therefore appears indicated to repair TR of grade 2+ or more at the time of mitral surgery, particularly in female patients and in patients with right ventricular systolic pressures of 50 mmHg or more, which are both predictive of postoperative TR progression.
Commentary: Mild tricuspid regurgitation in rheumatic mitral surgery: To do, or not do, that is the question
