Which finding is associated with tricuspid regurgitation?

Which finding is associated with tricuspid regurgitation?

• A. Increase in JVP with pulsatile liver, ascites, and edema
• B. Decreased JVP with quiet liver
• C. Systolic ejection murmur at right sternal border
• D. Radiates to the carotids

Answer: (A)

Tricuspid regurgitation causes backflow of blood into the right atrium during systole, leading to systemic venous congestion. This produces an elevated JVP and signs of venous congestion in the liver and abdomen, so the liver can become pulsatile and fluid accumulates as ascites and edema. These findings—improved venous pressure with a pulsatile liver, plus peripheral edema and ascites—are classic for TR. A systolic murmur at the right sternal border is not typical for TR; it’s more consistent with other valvular lesions such as aortic stenosis. TR murmurs are usually holosystolic and best heard at the left lower sternal border, often louder with inspiration. A decreased JVP with a quiet liver would suggest hypovolemia rather than venous congestion, and a murmur radiating to the carotids points to aortic disease rather than TR.

Tricuspid regurgitation causes backflow of blood into the right atrium during systole, leading to systemic venous congestion. This produces an elevated JVP and signs of venous congestion in the liver and abdomen, so the liver can become pulsatile and fluid accumulates as ascites and edema. These findings—improved venous pressure with a pulsatile liver, plus peripheral edema and ascites—are classic for TR.

A systolic murmur at the right sternal border is not typical for TR; it’s more consistent with other valvular lesions such as aortic stenosis. TR murmurs are usually holosystolic and best heard at the left lower sternal border, often louder with inspiration. A decreased JVP with a quiet liver would suggest hypovolemia rather than venous congestion, and a murmur radiating to the carotids points to aortic disease rather than TR.