Relation of tricuspid inflow E-wave peak velocity to severity of tricuspid regurgitation.

E-wave velocity in mitral flow has previously been shown to discriminate between severe and nonsevere mitral regurgitation. In this study, we sought to explore this association in the tricuspid position. The peak velocity of the tricuspid inflow E wave was measured in 118 patients (mean age 62 +/- 16.6 years; 48% women). Patients with tricuspid stenosis, transvenous pacemakers, and tricuspid prostheses were excluded. E-wave measurements were taken during shallow breathing. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was quantified as none or mild (group 1), moderate (group 2), or severe (group 3), according to American Society of Echocardiography guidelines. Forty-three patients had mild TR, 43 had moderate TR, and 33 had severe TR. Peak E-wave velocity was 48.6 +/- 13.8, 48.6 +/- 11.7, and 78.3 +/- 26.1 cm/s in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p > 0.0001). Mean E-wave velocity was similar in groups 1 and 2 but greater in group 3 (p < 0.0001). A peak E-wave velocity of > or = 65 cm/s had a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 88% for the detection of severe TR. In conclusion, increased peak tricuspid E-wave velocity is associated with severe TR and thus can be used as a simple measure of TR grade.