Carcinoid Heart Disease

Carcinoid heart disease is a multifactorial condition characterized by abnormalities in the right side of the heart. The prevalence of left-sided disease ranged from 0 to 39%. It was also found that patients with the mildest and most advanced right-sided abnormalities had lower incidences of left-sided disease. Researchers have linked high levels of serotonin to valvular abnormalities in a few studies.

The Mayo Clinic has created a specialized clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of carcinoid heart disease. The multidisciplinary team consists of cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, oncologists, and anesthesia specialists who are trained in treating carcinoid heart disease. The multi-disciplinary team works together to determine the most appropriate therapy for patients with this disease. During the consultation, the Mayo Clinic cardiac surgeons evaluate the effectiveness of prosthetic valves and other heart prosthesis.

Although the pathophysiology of carcinoid heart disease is still unclear, it is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. It is not yet known how the cancer develops in the heart, but chronic exposure to excessive levels of circulating serotonin is believed to be a major contributing factor. Several biomarkers have been developed, and NT-proBNP is the most useful for clinical diagnosis.

The median survival of people with carcinoid heart disease is 4.8 years. The patient’s age, gender, and primary tumor site were not significant factors. However, the severity of the symptoms was often worse in patients with carcinoid heart disease. In some cases, treatment may be necessary to improve the condition. The researchers suggest that somatostatin analogues can help alleviate the symptoms of carcinoid heart disease and carcinoid syndrome.