Echocardiographic detection of tricuspid valve prolapse

Abstract

The echocardiographic findings in 12 patients with tricuspid valve prolapse are presented. 8 Of these patients had associated mitral valve prolapse. Only one of the above patients had the characteristic physical signs of tricuspid incompetence. 2 Types of abnormality were noted on the echocardiogram of the tricuspid valve. In 8 patients, the systolic segment of the tricuspid valve showed an initial horizontal motion followed by a posterior motion in midsystole. 4 Patients exhibited posterior motion of the tricuspid valve in early systole, which reached a maximum in midsystole, and this was followed by an anterior motion, thus producing a hammock like configuration. Echocardiography is useful in the diagnosis of tricuspid valve prolapse. Since this condition may be associated with clinically significant tricuspid incompetence or bacterial endocarditis, its recognition is of clinical importance.