Three surgical cases of isolated tricuspid valve infective endocarditis.

Abstract

Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis (TVIE) is rare in Japan, though many reports of it in intravenous drug users are found in other countries. We experienced 3 surgical cases of isolated TVIE in 2 nonintravenous drug users and 1 intravenous user, and we presented successful results. The surgical options for TVIE are vegetectomy and valvulectomy, valve repair, and valve replacement, which are controversial in regard to hemodynamic consequences in right-sided low-pressure system and long-term prognosis. We report the 3 surgical cases of isolated TVIE.