Question:

Ebstein’s anomaly primarily affects which of the following heart valves?

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Ebstein's Anomaly keywords: Lithium exposure, apical displacement of the Tricuspid valve, "atrialization" of the right ventricle, severe tricuspid regurgitation, and massively enlarged right atrium.
Updated On: Sep 3, 2026
  • Tricuspid valve
  • Mitral valve
  • Pulmonary valve
  • Aortic valve
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
The question is a direct anatomical recall requiring the clinician to identify the specific cardiac valve that is congenitally malformed in a patient diagnosed with Ebstein's anomaly.
Explanation:
• Ebstein's anomaly is a rare but highly distinctive congenital heart defect that exclusively and primarily affects the Tricuspid valve and the right ventricle.

• Pathoanatomically, the condition is defined by the failure of the septal and posterior leaflets of the tricuspid valve to properly delaminate (separate) from the right ventricular myocardium during embryogenesis.

• As a result, the functional hinge point of these valve leaflets is displaced apically, deep downward into the right ventricular cavity, rather than sitting properly at the atrioventricular junction.

• This severe downward displacement effectively divides the right ventricle into two distinct parts: a superior, thin-walled "atrialized" portion of the right ventricle (which functionally acts as part of a massively enlarged right atrium), and a much smaller, inferior, true functional right ventricle.

• The malformed tricuspid valve leaflets fail to coapt properly during systole, resulting in profound, severe tricuspid regurgitation.

• Clinically, this leads to massive right atrial dilation, right heart failure, and frequently arrhythmias (like WPW syndrome).

• It is famously associated with maternal lithium use during the first trimester of pregnancy.
Final Answer:
Ebstein's anomaly is a congenital malformation characterized by the apical displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets.
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