Echocardiography III Exam 1 Practice

In severe Tricuspid Regurgitation, systolic flow reversal is observed in which venous structure?

Hepatic Veins Internal Jugular Veins Renal Veins Portal Vein

Correct Answer:

Hepatic Veins

Explanation:

Severe tricuspid regurgitation raises right atrial pressure during systole because blood leaks back from the right ventricle into the atrium. This high systolic RA pressure is transmitted backward into the hepatic veins, which drain directly into the RA area, causing a retrograde flow during systole on Doppler. The hepatic veins therefore show systolic flow reversal, a classic sign of severe TR. The portal vein tends to become more pulsatile with elevated right-sided pressures but does not typically reverse its flow; renal and internal jugular vein patterns can be abnormal too, but reversal in the hepatic veins is the most characteristic and reliable finding.

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