Tricuspid regurgitation causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Causes
- Dilation of the right ventricle due to right ventricular infarction, heart failure or pulmonary hypertension
- Endocarditis
Although congenital causes of tricuspid insufficiency exist, most cases are due to dilation of the right ventricle. Such dilation leads to derangement of the normal anatomy and mechanics of the tricuspid valve and the muscles governing its proper function. The result is incompetence of the tricuspid valve. Common causes of right ventricular dilation include left heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and right ventricular infarction. One notable exception to right ventricular dilation as a cause of tricuspid insufficiency occurs in right-sided endocarditis (i.e. infection affecting the right side of the heart). In that case, there is direct damage to the tricuspid valve as as a result of infection.