The clinical significance and prognostic value of right ventricular wall tension in moderate or severe tricuspid regurgitation

Abstract

Background: We aim to explore the determinants of right ventricular wall tension (RV base-to-apex length multiplied by systolic pulmonary artery pressure [RV WT] and association with all-cause mortality in patients with moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation. Materials & methods: Of total, 180 patients (71 ± 15 years, 54% females) were included. An increased RV WT was defined as >3300 mmHg x mm. Results: Patients with increased RV WT (n = 85, 47%) were more likely to be male and taller than patients with normal RV WT. In a multivariable-adjusted model, increased RV WT was associated with a 2.6-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 2.59, 95% CI: 1.65–4.06). Conclusion: In patients with significant tricuspid regurgitation, an increased RV WT was common, and associated with a 2.6-fold higher risk of all-cause mortality. Male sex was the only independent determinant.