Carcinoid heart disease

Cardiol Rev. 2012 Jul-Aug;20(4):167-76. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0b013e31824c866e.

Abstract

Carcinoid tumors are rare, indolent neuroendocrine tumors that are often associated with a syndrome characterized by episodic flushing, secretory diarrhea, bronchospasm, and hypotension-the carcinoid syndrome. Cardiac involvement occurs in one-half to two-thirds of patients with carcinoid syndrome and is associated with a worse clinical outcome. Carcinoid heart disease is characterized by endocardial plaque-like deposits found predominantly on right-sided heart valves, leading to the combination of valvular stenosis and regurgitation. Left-sided cardiac involvement can also occur in <10% of patients. Somatostatin analogs form the therapeutic cornerstone in the medical management of these patients. Cytotoxic chemotherapy has had only limited success in the treatment of metastatic carcinoid tumors. Hepatic resection or palliative cytoreduction may be of benefit in patients with limited hepatic disease. Hepatic artery embolization is usually applied if a patient is not eligible for surgical debulking. The development and progression of carcinoid heart disease are associated with an unfavorable outcome. In those patients having severe cardiac involvement and well-controlled systemic disease, valve replacement surgery has been found to be an effective treatment that can both relieve intractable symptoms and contribute to improved clinical outcomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Carcinoid Heart Disease* / etiology
  • Carcinoid Heart Disease* / pathology
  • Carcinoid Heart Disease* / therapy
  • Echocardiography
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / etiology
  • Heart Failure / therapy
  • Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation / methods
  • Heart Valves / surgery
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Angiography
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Preoperative Care
  • Prognosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / etiology
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / pathology
  • Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency / therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor