What is a characteristic of severe tricuspid regurgitation?

Severe tricuspid regurgitation is characterized by the backflow of blood from the right ventricle into the right atrium during systole due to the insufficient closure of the tricuspid valve. This significant regurgitation can lead to volume overload in the right atrium and subsequently, in the right ventricle.

As the right ventricle dilates to accommodate the increased blood volume, the pressure in the right side of the heart can rise. This increased pressure can affect the pulmonary circulation, leading to dilation of the pulmonary artery. In severe cases, this dilation can become pronounced and is often evident on imaging studies such as echocardiography. The relationship between tricuspid regurgitation and the dilation of the pulmonary artery is a key feature that reflects the hemodynamic changes occurring due to this condition.

In contrast, other options do not directly describe a characteristic feature of severe tricuspid regurgitation, as severe cases may not necessarily lead to significant increases in left atrial pressure or decreased systemic blood flow in the same way that changes in the right-sided heart structures do.