Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

In which condition might backward flow through the tricuspid valve be likely observed?

1. Aortic stenosis

2. Pulmonary hypertension

3. Mitral regurgitation

4. Left ventricular hypertrophy

The correct answer is: Pulmonary hypertension

Backward flow through the tricuspid valve is commonly seen in conditions that increase pressure in the right atrium, leading to right-sided heart failure or overload. In the case of pulmonary hypertension, the elevated pressure in the pulmonary arteries can cause the right ventricle to work harder to pump blood into the lungs. Over time, this increased workload can lead to right ventricular dilation and subsequent tricuspid regurgitation, which is characterized by backward flow through the tricuspid valve. The backward flow occurs because the pressure in the right atrium can exceed that in the right ventricle during diastole, causing the tricuspid valve leaflets to be forced open inappropriately, allowing blood to flow back into the atrium. This situation is directly related to the elevated pressures associated with pulmonary hypertension, making it a typical scenario where backward flow through the tricuspid valve is observed. Other conditions listed, such as aortic stenosis and mitral regurgitation, primarily affect the left side of the heart and do not directly cause tricuspid regurgitation or backward flow through the tricuspid valve. Similarly, left ventricular hypertrophy may lead to complications but does not inherently result in tricuspid valve dysfunction leading to