moderate mitral insufficiency

[blondie63]

I have had 3 echograms done and have been told that I have mvp.  Just 6 month ago I had another, 4th,  echo.  When I went in for my appointment I was seen by a different Dr, my normal Dr was not available.  He told me I did not have mvp it is now printed on the report as moderate mitral insufficency. Next line reads Moderate tricuspid insufficiency with slight increase in right ventricular systolic pressure.  I was caught off guard and thought I understood what I had but I guess I really do not because he now put me on medication for the condition.   I did not know what questions to ask.  How is this different than mvp?    What is the prognosis?  Should I ask for other tests to be done??

Thank you for your time,
Cheryl

[kenkeith]

MV insufficiency is also backflow of blood into the atrium, but the condition is not due to prolapse (leaflet billows into the atrium).  The insufficiency (backflow of blood) can be leaflet is calcified, heardened, malformed, cords attached to leaflet is elongated, etc. or the orifice (valve opening) is calcified, damaged from prior illness, etc.

The same circumstances and conditions apply to the rightside's tricuspid valve.  Slight increase in systolic pressure may not be of any medical significance.  Moderate to severe pressure can cause an increase in chamber size.

I have moderate to severe valve regurgitation for a very long time without any progression.  My condition happened due to an enlarged left ventricle that stretched and deformed the orifice...so I'm told.  Reversing the chamber enlargement did not correct the regurgitation.

The echo test (doppler program) is very good for a dx of blood flow and valve integrity irregularities.  Prognosis depends on the underlying cause and if the underlying cause can be successfully treated. Sometimes the problem can be corrected (repaired) with minor intervention.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi Cheryl,

With these  different diagnosis, we have to correlate cinically and to have another opinion if possible. What are signs or symptoms present? Most people with mitral valve prolapse commonly complain of symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, chest pain, anxiety, and migraine headaches. Tricuspid regurgitation,on the other hand,  may not cause any symptoms if the patient does not have pulmonary hypertension. If pulmonary hypertension and moderate-to-severe tricuspid regurgitation exist together, the following symptoms may result: active pulsing in the neck veins,decreased urine output, fatigue, tiredness, general swelling, swelling of the abdomen,feet and ankles, and weakness.

With tricuspid regurgitation, an ECG or echocardiogram may show swelling of the right side of the heart. Doppler echocardiography or right-sided cardiac catheterization are also used to measure blood pressures inside the heart and lung.

Treatment may not be needed if there are few or no symptoms. It is important to identify underlying disorders. Treatment of any underlying conditions, especially high blood pressure in the lungs and swelling of the right lower heart chamber, may correct the disorder.Some people may be able to have surgery to repair or replace the tricuspid valve and this usually provides a cure. However, persons with severe tricuspid regurgitation that cannot be corrected may have a poor prognosis.

Take care and regards.