Tricuspid Regurgitant Jet Velocity in Thalassemia

An elevated TRJV, which is suggestive of pulmonary hypertension, was found in one third of transfusion-dependent thalassemia patients and was strongly associated with splenectomy.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is often suspected in patients with thalassemia intermedia and thalassemia major, but the actual prevalence of the disorder is uncertain. PH has been associated with an elevated tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity (TRJV; ≥2.5 m/second), which can be measured noninvasively using Doppler echocardiography.

To assess the prevalence, risk factors, and mortality associated with an elevated TRJV in patients with thalassemia, investigators prospectively studied 148 patients, most of whom were transfusion dependent.

An elevated TRJV was observed in 33% of patients; prevalence increased with age (16% in those <18 and >50% in those 41–50) and was strongly associated with splenectomy (P=0.0002). Other associations with an eleva…

Reviewing Author

David Green, MD, PhD

Disclosures

EquityNovartis

David Green, MD, PhD

Disclosures

EquityNovartis