Calcification of the tricuspid annulus. Case report and review of the relevant literature

We present a case of tricuspid annulus calcification, documented by fluoroscopy, chest X-ray and cross sectional echocardiography. This case is interesting for two reasons: 1) Tricuspid annulus calcification is extremely rare and very few cases have been reported. 2) It is the third case described where two-dimensional echocardiography established the diagnosis of this very rare condition. Previously reported cases of tricuspid annulus calcification are reviewed.     

Atrial tachycardia originating at the tricuspid annulus

We report a patient with re-entrant atrial tachycardia that originated at the inferolateral tricuspid annulus. Single atrial extra-stimulation reproducibly induced the atrial tachycardia with an inverse relationship between the coupling interval of extra-stimulation and the return cycle of the first tachycardia beat. A real-time three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping showed focal atrial activation spreading semi-radially from the tricuspid annulus. The tachycardia was successfully eliminated by radiofrequency ablation at the earliest atrial activation site, preceding by 27 ms the arbitrary determined onset of surface P wave. An accelerated atrial rhythm with similar P-wave morphology to that of the tachycardia was observed at the successful ablation site during radiofrequency application. The mechanism of this tachycardia seems to be due to re-entry originating in or around the possible accessory atrioventricular node without ventricular connection.     

三尖瓣环起源室性心律失常的射频消融治疗

目的:探讨起源于三尖瓣环的室性心律失常的电生理特征和射频消融方法.方法:对33例经激动标测和起搏标测诊断为三尖瓣环起源的室性心律失常患者行射频消融治疗,分析和总结其消融方法和心电图特征.结果:在33例患者中,21例起源于三尖瓣环间隔部,消融成功率80.9％(17/21);12例起源于三尖瓣环游离壁,消融成功率91.7％...     

Sonometric study of the normal tricuspid valve annulus in sheep

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Mitral valve dynamic changes during the cardiac cycle have been previously studied in sheep using sonomicrometry. The study aim was to analyze geometric changes of the normal tricuspid annulus in sheep using a similar methodology. This is most likely the first tricuspid valve study using high temporal resolution (200 Hz = 200 data points per second). METHODS: Thirteen crystals were implanted in seven sheep along the annulus (n = 6), at the tips of papillary muscles (n = 3), at the free edge of the leaflets (n = 3), and at the apex of the left ventricle (n = 1). Recordings (10 s) of crystal distances were used to create a three-dimensional (3D) coordinate system based on the least-squares plane of the annulus, and maximum and minimum values were calculated for length, area, and position in xyz coordinates. RESULTS: During the cardiac cycle, the tricuspid annulus area expanded 28.6 +/- 3.6% with similar maximum expansions of each segment along the annulus: septal (10.4 +/- 1.2%), anterior (13.0 +/- 1.5%), and posterior (14.0 +/- 1.6%). The annulus was saddle-shaped, with a circumferential expansion from elliptical at minimum area to more circular at maximum area. The time delay to maximum leaflet area and maximum papillary area occurred 83 +/- 13 ms and 279 +/- 30 ms respectively after maximum annulus area. CONCLUSION: The tricuspid valve undergoes continual and complex geometric changes during the cardiac cycle. In addition, the annulus expands significantly due to similar increases in length of the septal and free wall segments. The annulus is not in a single plane, but is saddle-shaped. The expansion and contraction of the tricuspid valve complex is stepwise, and sequential from base to apex.     

Pathophysiology of tricuspid insufficiency: analysis of the motion of the tricuspid valve annulus using 2-dimensional echocardiography

We investigated tricuspid annular motion in patients with pulmonary hypertension and in normal controls to determine the greatest minimal diameter and percentage shortening of the tricuspid annulus required for functional tricuspid regurgitation. 73 patients were studied by 2-dimensional echocardiography: a control group of 30 patients (group I); 43 patients had pulmonary hypertension, 9 of whom were still in sinus rhythm (group II), the other 34 patients had atrial fibrillation. 19 of these showed competent tricuspid valve with contrast echocardiography (group III), whereas the 15 remaining patients had functional tricuspid regurgitation (group IV). An analysis of shape and position changes of tricuspid annulus during the heart cycle was performed. The maximal diameter (mm/m2) in the apical 4 chamber view was in group I 17.5 +/- 1.4, in group II 20.7 +/- 3.2 (vs. group I p less than 0.05), in group III 19.0 +/- 3.4 (vs. group II NS) and in group IV 25.7 +/- 6.0 (vs. group III p less than 0.001). The values for the minimal annular diameter (mm/m2) were in group I 13.7 +/- 1.2, in group II 17.4 +/- 3.5 (vs. group I p less than 0.01), in group III 16.6 +/- 3.3 (vs. group II NS) and in group IV 23.6 +/- 5.7 (vs. group p less than 0.001). The percent decrease (%) in group I was 21.5 +/- 3.3, in group II 17.0 +/- 6.9 (vs. group I p less than 0.05), in group III 12.8 +/- 4.7 (vs. group II p less than 0.05) and in group IV 7.9 +/- 3.4 (vs. group III p less than 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Focal atrial tachycardia arising from the tricuspid annulus: electrophysiologic and electrocardiographic characteristics

INTRODUCTION: Focal right atrial tachycardia (RAT) arising from the crista terminalis, para-Hisian, and coronary sinus os regions are well described. Less information exists regarding RAT arising from the nonseptal region of the tricuspid annulus (TA). METHODS AND RESULTS: From a consecutive series of 64 patients who had undergone successful radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of 67 RATs, the characteristics of 9 (13%) patients (6 men; mean age 50 +/- 20 years) with a TA focus were reviewed. The annular focus was localized to the inferoanterior TA in 7 and the superior TA in 2. Mean tachycardia cycle length was 371 +/- 66 msec. Mean activation time at the site of successful RFA in 9 of 9 patients was -43 +/- 11 msec. At 9.3 +/- 5.6 months of follow-up, 1 of 9 patients had recurrent tachycardia successfully treated with repeat RFA. In 7 of 9 patients with RAT from the inferoanterior TA, the surface ECG P wave morphology was upright in aVL, inverted in III and VI, and either inverted or biphasic with an initial negative deflection from V2 to V6. CONCLUSION: The TA is an important site of origin of RAT. In the present study, the inferoanterior region of the TA was a preferential site of origin with resulting characteristic P wave morphology. Knowledge of this anatomic distribution and P wave morphology allows targeted mapping and may facilitate successful RFA.     

Calcification of the mitral annulus: etiology, clinical associations, complications and therapy.

This report reviews the clinical features of 80 patients with roentgenographically proved mitral annular calcification. The mean age of the group was 73 years, and there was a 2.5 to 1 female to male ratio. Evaluation for underlying cardiovascular disease revealed six patients with severe calcific valvular aortic stenosis; five patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 11 with mitral prolapse and 33 with significant arterial hypertension (blood pressure greater or equal to 150/96 mm Hg). Eighty-five per cent of the group (68 of 80 patients) had an underlying cardiac disorder associated with either chronically increased left ventricular systolic pressure or abnormal leaflet motion. Other cardiovascular abnormalities occurring as complications secondary to the mitral ring calcification included subacute bacterial endocarditis (three cases), arterial emboli (five episodes) and high grade atrioventricular block (16 cases). Twelve patients had severe mitral regurgitation; successful mitral valve replacement was carried out in four patients (all with myxomatous mitral tissue). Evidence of diffuse conduction system disease, not limited to the area of the cardiac fibrous skeleton, was found frequently (44 patients). Nine patients had sinus node dysfunction and 35 patients had electrocardiographic evidence of distal intraventricular (fascicular) block. Twenty-one patients eventually required pacemakers for management of symptomatic bradyarrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation was present in 23 patients. In this review it was found that calcification of the mitral annulus is frequently associated with or induces serious cardiovascular disease. Since some of these disorders may be modified by appropriate therapy, calcification of the mitral annulus should no longer be ignored as a benign marker of the elderly heart.     

起源于三尖瓣环附近的室性心律失常的射频消融及心电图特征

目的总结起源于三尖瓣环附近的室性心律失常的射频消融及心电图特征。方法 15例患者,根据心电图和/或动态心电图诊断为室性心动过速(VT)或频发室性早搏(VPC),均接受心脏电生理检查及射频消融治疗。消融成功后,结合靶点分布区域分析体表心电图。结果 15例消融均获成功,根据消融导管的X线影像特征及腔内电图判断均起源于三尖瓣环附近,不同区域起源的VT/VPC心电图表现各具特征,QRS波时限140 ms、肢体导联见切迹、V1导联可见正向起始波及胸前导联移行区间≥V4判断起源于游离壁的特异度分别为100%、100%、100%、91.7%,敏感度分别为81.8%、90.9%、81.8%、100%。结论射频消融是治疗三尖瓣环附近起源的室性心律的安全、有效方法,心电图表现具其特征。     

Recovery of cardiac function after ablation of atrial tachycardia arising from the tricuspid annulus.

Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy is a reversible form of heart failure. An early diagnosis and an effective cure of the underlying tachycardia are crucial for a favorable outcome. Different kinds of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias may induce tachycardiomyopathy. Focal atrial tachycardia may be easily suppressed by means of transcatheter ablation. Relationships between focal atrial tachycardia and tachycardiomyopathy have not been deeply analyzed. In the present paper we report a case of a 76-year-old man with tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy caused by recurrences of focal atrial tachycardia arising from the tricuspid annulus. The arrhythmia was successfully treated with transcatheter ablation. In the follow-up no recurrences of the arrhythmia occurred and a significant improvement in myocardial function was observed.     

Cryoablation of ventricular arrhythmias originating from septal aspects of mitral and tricuspid annulus

Two cases of frequent ventricular ectopy are described. Case one: a 49 year-old woman with post myocarditis extrasytoles (34 000/24 h). The ectopic focus was located on the tricuspid annulus - directly in the area of largest and sharpest His bundle potential and where direct His bundle capture was observed during all pace mapping attempts. Case two: a 15 year- -old men with idiopathic, very frequent premature ventricular beats from septal aspect of the mitral annulus. The area of earliest activation during the spontaneous ectopy with 12/12 pace map match showed obvious His bundle potential, moreover, the radiofrequency ablation catheter was unstable in that position (inferoseptal from retrograde aortic approach). In both cases treatment with cryoablation was successfully and uneventful. In conclusion, cryoablation instead of radiofrequency current ablation should be used for ventricular ectopy from septal part of the tricuspid or mitral annuli especially in cases of parahisian localisation and/or catheter instability.     

经食管实时三维超声心动图对三尖瓣环形态的研究

目的:应用经食管实时三维超声心动图(RT-3D-TEE),结合QLAB后处理分析软件对比分析右心室收缩功能减低患者的三尖瓣环形态变化。方法:收集少量或者无三尖瓣反流患者15例,作为对照组;有中-重度三尖瓣反流患者23例,作为反流组;将有中-重度三尖瓣反流患者按照右心室射血分数(RVEF)进行分组,RVEF≥50%,12例;RVEF≤45%,11例。所有患者均行经食管实时三维超声心动图检查,获取全容积图像,应用QLAB后处理分析软件的MVQ技术手动描记三尖瓣环,获得三尖瓣环最大投影面积、最大周长、最大高度、最大瓣环左右径及前后径、投影面积变化率、周长变化率。结果:1对照组与反流组间有明显变化,瓣环最大投影面积及最大周长、瓣环最大左右径及前后径、最大投影面积变化率、最大周长变化率及瓣环高度差异均有统计学意义(P0.05);2在反流组内,右心室收缩功能减低组与右心室收缩功能正常组间,瓣环最大投影面积及最大周长、瓣环最大左右径及前后径、最大投影面积变化率、最大周长变化率及瓣环高度没有差异,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:经食管实时三维超声心动图结合分析软件能定量评价三尖瓣环形态及运动变化规律,严重三尖瓣反流较正常对照组的瓣环结构发生变化,严重三尖瓣反流组内右心功能减低与右心功能正常的患者三尖瓣环结构没有明显变化。     

起源于三尖瓣环的特发性室性心律失常体表心电图特点及射频导管消融治疗

目的 评估起源于三尖瓣环的室性心动过速(室速)和室性早搏(室早)的体表心电图特点及射频导管消融治疗效果.方法 共12例特发性室速/室早患者接受常规电生理检查及射频导管消融治疗,对所有病例的12导联体表心电图进行分析.结果 12例室速/室早均消融成功,并证实均起源于三尖瓣环附近,7例起源于三尖瓣环游离壁侧,5例起源于三尖瓣环间隔侧.三尖瓣环游离壁侧室速/室早QRS波平均时限长于三尖瓣环间隔侧室速/室早;游离壁侧室速/室早比间隔侧室速/室早QRS终末部更多见切迹.间隔侧室速/室早比游离壁侧室速/室早V1导联更多见QS型.结论 起源于三尖瓣环的室速/室早是特发性室速/室早的一个亚组,射频导管消融治疗可取得良好效果,掌握其体表心电图特点有助于消融术前判定室速/室早具体起源部位.     

远离三尖瓣环的右侧旁道体表心电图和腔内电生理特点

目的总结心房插入点远离三尖瓣环的右侧游离壁旁道的体表心电图及腔内电生理特点,以及消融经验。方法从2006年1月到2009年5月,共对127例右侧旁道患者进行了射频消融,入选其中有过失败消融经历的21例患者。术中在右室心尖部起搏标测逆向心房最早激动点。心房插入点的定义是最早逆行心房激动点,并且消融这一点可成功阻断旁道。随访6个月以上并定期进行12导联心电图检查。结果 21例中12例(8例显性旁道,4例隐匿性旁道)旁道的心房插入点远离三尖瓣环。心电图显示V1预激程度小或呈QS样。电生理检查和消融发现其中4例的心房插入点在右心耳基底部,5例在右房高侧壁,3例在右房低侧壁。在心房插入点处消融可成功阻断旁道。心房插入点距三尖瓣环距离20.5±2.9 mm。随访6个月以上,所有患者旁道传导未恢复,未出现心动过速发作。结论右侧旁道的插入点可能远离瓣环,正确认识体表心电图及腔内电生理特征有助于提高消融成功率。