Key result
Tricuspid valve replacement linked to improved gastrointestinal symptoms in a severe TR case.
Why the study?
Tricuspid regurgitation typically coexists with right heart failure symptoms and is challenging to diagnose, with extracardiac manifestations often overlooked.
Does tricuspid valve replacement improve gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation?
Case Report (n=1)
Does tricuspid valve replacement improve gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation?
Severe tricuspid regurgitation can present with gastrointestinal symptoms due to visceral venous congestion, which improve following valve replacement.
Does not support practice change for GI symptoms in severe TR; leaves open a possible new indication requiring prospective validation.
BACKGROUND: Tricuspid regurgitation has a typical presentation coexisting with right heart failure symptoms and is challenging to diagnose, with extracardiac manifestations often overlooked. CASE SUMMARY: A 35-year-old woman had a history of mixed neurocardiogenic syncope. She received a pacemaker at age 11; 13 years later, she developed lead dysfunction. As pacing was no longer required, the leads were removed. She subsequently developed asymptomatic tricuspid regurgitation and experienced gastrointestinal symptoms, which were initially attributed to irritable bowel syndrome, with a low Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) score. Biological valve replacement improved gastrointestinal symptoms and GIQLI score. Later, a mechanical valve was implanted owing to bioprosthesis deterioration, resulting in further clinical and GIQLI score improvement. DISCUSSION: Severe tricuspid regurgitation may cause visceral venous congestion, intestinal edema, dysbiosis, hypoperfusion, and inflammation, producing gastrointestinal symptoms. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: This case emphasizes the importance of considering visceral venous congestion symptoms, such as gastrointestinal manifestations, in the assessment and management of severe tricuspid regurgitation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pérez-Soto et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Tricuspid regurgitation (n=1). Tricuspid valve replacement (biological, then mechanical) was evaluated on Gastrointestinal symptoms and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) score. Tricuspid valve replacement improved gastrointestinal symptoms and Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index scores in a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: