New nosologies: atriogenic valvular regurgitation

Functional mitral regurgitation and functional tricuspid regurgitation occur due to cardiac remodelling in the presence of macroscopically normal valve apparatus. Two main mechanisms are involved: a ventricular phenotype (when ventricular remodelling and dysfunction are predominant) and an atrial phenotype (when annulus dilatation and atrial remodelling are predominant). Both phenotypes are frequent in patients with heart failure and are associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality, representing a relevant therapeutic target. This work focuses on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, prognosis, and therapy of atrial functional regurgitation.