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Carcinoid Heart Valve Disease

Fibrotic damage to the right-sided heart valves caused by vasoactive substances released by carcinoid tumors.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Published:

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Carcinoid Heart Valve Disease?

Carcinoid heart disease is a fibrotic valvular disease caused by deposition of serotonin and other vasoactive substances released by metastatic carcinoid tumors (especially neuroendocrine tumors of the small intestine) on the right-sided heart valves (tricuspid and pulmonary). It is rarely seen without hepatic metastases.

Because these substances are inactivated in the pulmonary circulation, the left-sided valves are usually spared; the right-sided valves thicken and retract, typically causing regurgitation. Tricuspid regurgitation and pulmonary stenosis are characteristic, with right heart failure developing over time.

Diagnosis is based on echocardiography, 24-hour urinary 5-HIAA and imaging. Management combines control of the carcinoid tumor (octreotide, surgery, cytoreduction) and surgical valve replacement for advanced valvular disease.

Symptoms

Facial and neck flushing
Diarrhea and abdominal pain
Dyspnea
Leg edema and ascites
Fatigue
Palpitations
Hepatomegaly

Risk Factors

Metastatic carcinoid tumor
Elevated serum serotonin
High urinary 5-HIAA
Advanced carcinoid disease
Liver metastases
Lack of prior chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Late diagnosis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • New symptoms in a patient with known carcinoid tumor
  • Flushing and diarrhea
  • New dyspnea
  • Leg edema and ascites
  • New cardiac murmur
  • Valve thickening on echocardiography

Treatment Methods

01
Somatostatin analogs (octreotide, lanreotide)
02
Surgical or cytoreductive treatment of the tumor
03
Surgical tricuspid and pulmonary valve replacement in advanced disease
04
Diuretic therapy for right heart failure
05
Embolization of liver metastases
06
Chemotherapy or targeted therapy
07
Multidisciplinary oncology-cardiology follow-up

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.