Observational case-control study.

Every day, an estimated 8 liters of fluid exits the vascular bed and enters the interstitial space throughout the body. In order to maintain a healthy fluid balance and avoid excess accumulation, the fluid is constantly removed by the lymphatic vessels. Via active lymphatic contractions, the fluid is pumped back into the venous system. In the case of tricuspid valve regurgitation, the venous pressure is elevated. This increases the production of lymphatic fluid and may lead to accumulation and edema, one of the hallmarks of heart failure.

The current study aims to use state-of-the-art methods; near infrared fluorescence imaging and non-contrast MR lymphangiography in order to examine lymphatic function and morphology in individuals with tricuspid valve regurgitation.

Potentially, the current study may provide valuable insight into a key component of the altered and challenged fluid homeostasis in this group of individuals with heart disease.

To examine the morphology of the central lymphatic system and the function of the peripheral lymphatic vessels in individuals with tricuspid valve regurgitation compared to healthy, age and gender matched controls.

The study is a collaboration between the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital and the Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital.

• Benjamin Kelly, MD, PhD Student
• Emil Krogh, BSc
• Jesper Khedri Jensen, MD, PhD, Senior Registrar
• Steen Hvidtfeldt Poulsen, MD, PhD, DMSc, Professor, Consultant
• Vibeke Hjortdal, MD, PhD, DMSc, Professor, Consultant

Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University.