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Tricuspid Atresia

Absence of the tricuspid valve between the right atrium and right ventricle.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

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What is Tricuspid Atresia?

Tricuspid atresia is a congenital heart defect in which the tricuspid valve has failed to develop or is replaced by a membrane, so there is no direct flow between the right atrium and right ventricle. The right ventricle is usually hypoplastic and pulmonary blood flow reaches the lungs through alternative routes.

Venous blood in the right atrium passes to the left atrium via a patent foramen ovale or atrial septal defect. The left ventricle supplies both the systemic and pulmonary circulations; a ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus are important in maintaining pulmonary blood flow.

Diagnosis is made by echocardiography. Treatment consists of staged surgical palliation (Blalock-Taussig shunt, Glenn and Fontan operations) and requires long-term follow-up.

Symptoms

Central cyanosis from birth
Rapid breathing and feeding difficulty
Digital clubbing
Marked reduction in exercise capacity
Cardiac murmur
Slowed weight gain
Occasional hypoxic spells

Risk Factors

Family history of congenital heart disease
Maternal diabetes
Maternal infections (rubella, cytomegalovirus)
Teratogenic drug exposure
Periconceptional folate deficiency
Chromosomal anomalies
Advanced maternal age

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Cyanosis and respiratory distress in a newborn
  • Anomaly detected on prenatal echocardiography
  • Color change during feeding
  • Hypoxic spells
  • Regular follow-up before and after staged surgery

Treatment Methods

01
Prostaglandin E1 to maintain ductal patency
02
Neonatal Blalock-Taussig shunt or PA banding
03
Glenn operation (3–6 months of age)
04
Fontan operation (2–4 years of age)
05
Anticoagulation and heart failure therapy
06
Lifelong pediatric/adult congenital cardiology follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.