A Study of Morphological Variations of Tricuspid Valve in Human Hearts in Kerala Population – A Cross-sectional Study
Soumya S. Muraleedharan, V. K. GirijamonyIntroduction:
The number of cusps of the tricuspid valve may vary. Accessory cusps may be found between the main cusps, the appearance of which can be linked to the developmental sources of the valve.
Aim:
This study aims to analyze the normal cusps and accessory cusps of the tricuspid valve and classify them accordingly.
Materials and Methods:
Hundred normal adult human hearts obtained from autopsy specimens were dissected using a dissection method and the cusps of the tricuspid valve. The data obtained were quantified as frequencies (in %).
Results:
Of the 100 hearts studied, 62% of hearts showed the normal 3 cusps (Type I). In the remaining hearts, 22% showed 4 cusps (Type II), 11% showed 5 cusps (Type III), 4% showed 6 cusps (Type IV), and 3% showed 7 cusps (Type V).
Conclusion:
The knowledge of these variations in number of valve cusps is important in the functional assessment of the valve to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying various tricuspid valve diseases that suggest ways to improve by surgical correction.