What Are The Causes And Risk Factors Of Tricuspid Valve Regurgitation?

Marfan Syndrome

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that involves the connective tissue or the tissue that supports and anchors the organs, cells, and other types of tissue within the body. This disorder is progressive or gets worse with aging. Marfan syndrome is caused by a gene mutation that results in absent or abnormal production of a protein responsible for the elasticity and strength of the body's connective tissues. Marfan syndrome most commonly affects the skeleton, eyes, blood vessels, and heart. The most prominent manifestation of this disorder is the faulty connective tissue that causes any affected organ components to become weak and impaired as well. Marfan syndrome can have detrimental effects on the heart and large arteries. The tissue that makes up the aorta can be very fragile and may result in an aortic tear or rupture. The tissue that makes up the valves of the heart can be weaker and thinner than normal in individuals affected by Marfan syndrome. This weakness causes the valve tissues to stretch out abnormally and function incorrectly. The leaflets of the tricuspid valve often resemble thin floppy membranes instead of firmly anchored, healthy valve segments. This weakness of the valve results in the inappropriate backflow of blood.