The exact cause of Ebstein's anomaly is unknown, however the use of certain drugs (such as lithium or benzodiazepines) during pregnancy may play a role. Ebstein's anomaly occurs as a baby develops in the womb. This condition is rare but it is more common among Caucasians. The tricuspid valve is made up of three parts, called leaflets or flaps. These leaflets or flaps allow blood to flow from the right atrium (top chamber) to the right ventricle (bottom chamber) while the heart relaxes. The leaflets close to prevent blood from flowing from the right ventricle to the right atrium while the heart pumps.The leaflets are unusually deep in the right ventricle and are often larger than normal in cases of Ebstein's anomaly. Due to the defect, blood may go the wrong way back into the right atrium, when it should be flowing to the right ventricle. When the blood gets backed up it can lead to heart swelling and fluid buildup in the lungs or liver. Sometimes, blood can't get out of the heart into the lungs and the person may appear blue. However in most cases of Ebstein's anomaly, patients have a hole in the wall which separates the heart's two upper chambers and the blood may flow across the hole. This may cause oxygen -poor blood to go to the rest of the body. There may also be narrowing of the valve that leads to the lungs (pulmonary valve).
What are the causes of Ebstein's anomaly of the tricuspid valve?
The exact cause of {{NAME}}'s anomaly is unknown, however the use of certain drugs (such as lithium or benzodiazepines) during pregnancy may play a role. {{NAME}}'s anomaly occurs as a baby develops in the womb. This condition is rare but it is more common among Caucasians. The tricuspid valve is made up of three parts, called leaflets or flaps. These leaflets or flaps allow blood to flow from the right atrium (top chamber) to the right ventricle (bottom chamber) while the heart relaxes. The leaflets close to prevent blood from flowing from the right ventricle to the right atrium while the heart pumps.The leaflets are unusually deep in the right ventricle and are often larger than normal in cases of {{NAME}}'s anomaly. Due to the defect, blood may go the wrong way back into the right atrium, when it should be flowing to the right ventricle. When the blood gets backed up it can lead to heart swelling and fluid buildup in the lungs or liver. Sometimes, blood can't get out of the heart into the lungs and the person may appear blue. However in most cases of {{NAME}}'s anomaly, patients have a hole in the wall which separates the heart's two upper chambers and the blood may flow across the hole. This may cause oxygen -poor blood to go to the rest of the body. There may also be narrowing of the valve that leads to the lungs (pulmonary valve).