Tricuspid regurgitation was associated with incomplete tricuspid valve closure in all patients studied and was moderate to severe in 86%. Impaired coaptation is best reflected by the displacement area between the leaflets and the annulus. High pulmonary pressure and significant right ventricular dilation are not prerequisites for functional tricuspid regurgitation. Annular dilation is the most consistent and important determinant of this lesion.

This new mitral regurgitation echocardiographic score can predict the development of severe mitral regurgitation after percutaneous mitral valvulotomy and can be useful in the selection of patients for this technique.