Case 2-1994: Tricuspid Regurgitation

To the Editor: We were intrigued by Case 2-1994 (Jan. 13 issue), 1 which describes constrictive pericarditis and mitral regurgitation associated with a myxomatous mitral valve. Tricuspid annuloplasty was required when severe tricuspid regurgitation was detected by transesophageal echocardiography after the patient was weaned from cardiopulmonary bypass. We have recently described the same phenomenon in two patients who had severe tricuspid regurgitation after surgery for relief of constrictive pericarditis 2 . We believe that right ventricular dilatation after relief of the pericardial constraint is the underlying mechanism. Interoperative transesophageal echocardiography allows prompt detection and repair of the tricuspid regurgitation. To the Editor: . . .