Orgainc tricuspid pathology in rheumatic valvulopathies.

Surgical observations show that organic tricuspid lesions are not uncommon: 3.2% among cases of valvular surgery, 9.5% among patients with combined mitral and aortic replacements. Pure stenosis is relatively rare (7 cases) but easy to diagnose: this lesion plays a protective role on pulmonary parenchyma. There is no symptom due to congestive lungs and few pulmonary post-operative complications among these patients. Organic tricuspid insufficiency, isolated or associated to stenosis is more frequent (18 cases) but more difficult to diagnose before surgery. There seems to be no protection of the pulmonary circulation. Pulmonary arterial hypertension, clinical and radiological features of congestive lungs and post-operative pulmonary complications are usual.