Isolated tricuspid regurgitation caused by a dilated tricuspid annulus

In most of the previously reported cases of isolated tricuspid regurgitation, both tricuspid leaflets and subvalvar tissue have been absent, hypoplastic, or fused. For this reason, tricuspid valvoplasty was difficult and valve replacement was adopted in many cases. In the present case of a 52-year-old man, however, the tricuspid valve showed no abnormalities other than a severely dilated tricuspid annulus. Ring annuloplasty was performed, and this resulted in a subsequent satisfactory course without anticoagulant therapy.