The double-orifice tricuspid valve: a review.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY

Duplication of an atrioventricular valve is a rare congenital anomaly, with only single cases of double-orifice tricuspid valves (DOTV) having been identified. Because of its rarity, the clinical spectrum of this entity remains obscure.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using databases and search engines. In addition, the reference sections of all relevant articles were searched to identify additional cases. All cases reported until March 2006 were included.

RESULTS

In total, 22 cases of DOTV were identified. The mean patient age was 21 years, and there was a male predominance. Autopsy was the leading mode of detection, followed by surgery and echocardiography. In cases where the functional status of the DOTV was specifically mentioned, pure regurgitation was found in 62.5%, and combined stenosis and regurgitation in 25%. In 12.5% of cases the valve function was normal. Additional congenital malformations were present in (72.7%) of cases (n = 16).

CONCLUSION

The DOTV is a very rare congenital heart defect. The isolated occurrence of this condition seems extremely rare, and in most cases it is associated with other congenital cardiac malformations that determine patient outcome.