8th March 2024

Clinical presentation

The presence of VSD or PFO with severe tricuspid regurgitation leads to right-to-left shunting of blood, resulting in cyanosis. Subtle defects may not be apparent until adulthood, which then results in non-specific symptoms such as decreased exercise tolerance, palpitations, shortness of breath or syncope. Paradoxical embolic events may also occur. Physical examination may reveal cyanosis, clubbing and the pansystolic regurgitant murmur of tricuspid regurgitation.