Tricuspid valve dysplasia (Ebstein-like)

Abstract

The Ebstein anomaly is a malformation characterised by the apical displacement of the insertions of the septal valve and the posterior tricuspid valve, displaced tricuspid functional ring, and atrialisation of the right ventricle. Cases have been found during surgery that have complied with these criteria, and have therefore been classified as “Ebstein-like anomalies”. Some of them have been described anatomically as valve dysplasia. The case is presented of a 20 year-old female that presented with dyspnoea Class III of the New York Heart Association, and a stabbing pain in the chest. This was classified as a possible Ebstein anomaly by cardiac ultrasound. However the findings during the surgery were compatible with tricuspid valve dysplasia with dilation of the functional ring. This case highlights the importance of the appropriate use of cardiac ultrasound, as well as the need to carry out prospective studies on Ebstein-like cases.