Isolated tricuspid valve regurgitation can be caused by either primary valvular abnormalities or secondary to annular dilation. Congenital tricuspid valve regurgitation in the adult is rare and encompasses a heterogenous group of anatomical variants that is often associated with or is a sequela of other congenital heart diseases that poses a unique challenge to the surgical management of these patients. We present a case of primary isolated congenital tricuspid valve regurgitation and successful tricuspid valve repair in an adult.

Background and aim of the study: Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) develop a profound cytokine-mediated pro-inflammatory response. This study reports outcomes in 10 patients with COVID-19 supported on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) who were selected for the emergency use of a hemoadsorption column integrated in the ECMO circuit. Materials and Methods: Pre and post treatment, clinical data and inflammatory markers were assessed to determine the safety and feasibility of using this system, and to evaluate the clinical effect. Results: During hemoadsorption, median levels of interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-6, and IL-10 decreased by 54%, 86%, and 64% respectively. Reductions in other markers were observed for LDH (-49%), ferritin (-46%), D-dimer (-7%), C-reactive protein (-55%), procalcitonin (-76%) and lactate (-44%). Vasoactive-inotrope scores decreased significantly over the treatment interval (-80%). The median hospital length of stay was 53 days (36-85) and at 90-days post cannulation, survival was 90% which was similar to a group of patients without the use of hemoadsorption. Conclusions: Addition of hemoadsorption to VV-ECMO in patients with severe COVID-19 is feasible and reduces measured cytokine levels. However, in this small series, the precise impact on the overall clinical course and survival benefit still remains unknown.