BACKGROUND: Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is the rare but serious complication of a paraneoplastic syndrome caused by carcinoid tumors predominantly affecting right-sided cardiac valves and valvular apparatus, leading to significant valvular dysfunction. Multidisciplinary management is paramount for optimal patient outcomes. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old man with chronic flushing, diarrhea, and weight loss was diagnosed with CHD. Echocardiography demonstrated resultant severe tricuspid and pulmonary valve degeneration. He underwent dual-valve replacement, followed by liver debulking surgery with good initial results. Subsequently early, significant valve degeneration occurred. DISCUSSION: CHD occurs in up to 50% of patients with cardiac syndrome, and insidious symptom onset means diagnosis often delayed. Early investigation and prompt management are therefore imperative to prevent progression and plan multistaged interventions.
Johnson et al. (Thu,) studied this question.