Tricuspid Regurgitation: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical, Imaging and Therapy

Once considered the “forgotten valve and ventricle”, the tricuspid valve and right ventricle are now recognized as critical structures with significant clinical and prognostic implications. Growing evidence has highlighted that tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and right heart failure are not merely secondary phenomena that resolve following the treatment of left-sided heart disease. Instead, TR and right heart failure contribute to adverse outcomes and increased mortality if left untreated. This paradigm shift has fueled extensive clinical research, leading to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of TR and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Additionally, advancements in cardiovascular imaging have facilitated early detection, risk stratification, and innovative therapeutic approaches for TR and right heart failure. This article explores the evolving landscape of tricuspid valve disease, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and the role of emerging imaging technologies in improving patient outcomes. Thanks to progress in imaging technology, especially echocardiography, as well as cardiac magnetic resonance and cardiac computer tomography, enhanced studies can be conducted on the tricuspid valve pathology to delineate the various mechanisms involved in TR and RV dysfunction and offer patients a tailored medical, as well as surgical and transcatheter therapies. These unparalleled technological advances would not be possible without the hard work of physicians, scientists, surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and echocardiographers worldwide, despite the many challenges they experience daily and in every procedure. Many patients with TR present at an advanced stage of disease progression, often with severe regurgitation and clinical manifestations associated with poor outcomes. Additionally, a significant proportion of these patients have either undergone previous open-heart surgery for left-sided valvular disease or are considered high-risk surgical candidates due to multiple comorbid conditions. In recent years, transcatheter therapy has emerged as a viable alternative for this high-risk population, offering a less invasive option for those previously deemed “inoperable”. This breakthrough has transformed the therapeutic landscape for valvular heart disease, particularly for TR, providing new hope and improved outcomes for patients who were once left with limited treatment options.