Carcinoid heart disease: two clinical cases and a review

Abstract

We present two cases of metastatic carcinoid tumours, complicated by carcinoid syndrome and by cardiac valve involvement, a well-known, but infrequent, complication. Carcinoid tumours are generally more indolent than other cancers and may have a long asymptomatic phase. The symptoms of carcinoid syndrome generally manifest only once metastases to the liver have occurred. Cardiac involvement occurs in up to 50% of patients, and heralds a poor prognosis. However, a multidisciplinary team approach has improved the prognosis and quality of life for patients with carcinoid heart disease. Therapy includes somatostatin analogues and treatment for heart failure, removal of primary or metastatic tumour deposits, valve replacement in the presence of valvular involvement, and radioisotopes therapy.

Noninvasive evaluation of right hemodynamics in carcinoid heart disease: A case report

“…Classic echocardiographic features of CHD are well described in literature and, in absence of exposure to appetite suppressants fenfluramine and phentermine or cabergoline, are pathognomonic of CHD. The main features of CHD consist of fibrotic plaque deposition on the endothelial surface of the right heart chambers and valves due to the vasoactive substances produced by the tumor.…”