Tricuspid atresia

Tricuspid atresia is a form of congenital heart disease in which there is a complete absence of the tricuspid valve. This defect prevents blood flow between the right atrium and right ventricle, resulting in an undersized right ventricle and deoxygenated blood circulating through the body. The causes of tricuspid atresia are unknown; the condition develops during prenatal heart development when the tricuspid valve fails to form properly. Early signs include progressive skin discoloration from poor oxygenation, feeding difficulties, and rapid breathing within the first two weeks of life. Physical examination typically reveals heart murmurs and abnormal heart sounds, and electrocardiography shows left axis deviation and enlarged left heart chambers, since the left ventricle must pump blood to both the pulmonary and systemic circulations in the absence of a functioning right ventricle.