[Incidence and relevance of tricuspid-valve insufficiency in acquired mitral-valve defect. Analysis based on right ventricular angiograms].

To detect tricuspid incompetence (TI) right ventricular angiography was performed in 167 patients suffering from moderate to severe mitral valve disease. Holosystolic reflux of contrast medium to the right atrium through the central part of the tricuspid valve was thought to represent true TI, whereas a jet of contrast medium following the injection catheter and originating from the region of its valve passage was assumed to reflect arteficial regurgitation. True TI was found in 35% of the total group (30% mild to moderate, 5% severe TI). TI was often accompanied by atrial fibrillation (91%), pulmonary hypertension (74%) and reduced contraction of the tricuspid annulus (55%). Since tricuspid regurgitation in mitral valve disease commonly represents "functional" incompetence surgical intervention may be recommandable only in case of severe TI or concomitant valvular stenosis.