Tricuspid regurgitation diagnosis

Symptoms
Tricuspid insufficiency may be asymptomatic, especially if right ventricular function is well preserved. Conversely, edema, vague upper abdominal discomfort (from a congested liver), and fatigue (due to diminished cardiac output) can all be present to some degree.

Physical examination
On examination, the jugular venous pressure is usually elevated, and 'CV' waves can be seen. The liver may be enlarged and is often pulsatile (the latter finding being virtually diagnostic of tricuspid insufficiency). Peripheral edema is often found. In severe cases, there may be ascites and even cirrhosis (so-called 'cardiac cirrhosis).

Tricuspid insufficiency may lead to the presence of a pansystolic heart murmur. Such a murmur is usually of low frequency and best heard low on the left sternal border. It tends to increase with inspiration. However, the murmur may be inaudible reflecting the relatively low pressures in the right side of the heart. A third heart sound may also be present.

Echocardiography
The diagnosis is usually confirmed on echocardiography if a pulsatile liver and/or the presence of prominent CV waves in the jugular pulse is noted on physical examination.