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Carcinoid Heart Disease: a Comprehensive Review

  • Valvular Heart Disease (TL Kiefer, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Carcinoid heart disease is a rare disorder that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this review of the literature, we will present current concepts in diagnosis and management of carcinoid heart disease.

Recent Findings

Recent expert consensus guidelines highlight the role of echocardiography and screening with NT-proBNP for the evaluation of carcinoid heart disease. Advances in medical therapy along with better surgical outcomes highlight the experience and expertise that has been gained in the treatment of carcinoid heart disease.

Summary

Carcinoid heart disease occurs in patients with neuroendocrine tumors who have carcinoid syndrome. Serotonin appears to play a central role in the development of carcinoid heart disease. Cardiac biomarkers and multimodality imaging can be used to aid in screening and diagnosis. The mainstay of treatment of carcinoid heart disease is surgery.

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References

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Saamir A. Hassan, Nicolas L. Palaskas, Ali M. Agha, Cezar Iliescu, Juan Lopez-Mattei, Christopher Chen, Henry Zheng, and Syed Wamique Yusuf declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Hassan, S.A., Palaskas, N.L., Agha, A.M. et al. Carcinoid Heart Disease: a Comprehensive Review. Curr Cardiol Rep 21, 140 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1207-8

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