Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia is a congenital disease where the tricuspid valve did not form properly in utero.
This condition allows tricuspid regurgitation (backwards blood flow) which causes a volume overload to the right heart.
The long-term prognosis is difficult to predict, but often favorable. Life-long medications and recheck appointments are often necessary.
Affected patients may eventually progress into right-sided congestive heart failure.
Clinical signs of right-sided congestive heart failure may include abdominal swelling (ascites) and/or pleural effusion (fluid inside the chest, around the lungs).
This may make breathing difficult and additional therapy will be required.
