Key result
Routine screening and early valve surgery improve survival in carcinoid heart disease.
Why the study?
No international consensus exists regarding screening for carcinoid heart disease and the optimal timing for surgical intervention in affected patients.
Supports screening and early valve intervention in carcinoid heart disease; leaves open need for prospective validation.
The cardiac manifestations of a neuroendocrine tumour are referred to as carcinoid heart disease (CaHD) and are associated with a poor prognosis. Surgical intervention is the only proven therapeutic option and may prolong survival and quality of life. No consensus has been reached internationally with regard to screening for CaHD and the optimal timing for surgery. Although limited evidence is available on this matter, a trend towards early surgery and subsequent reduced mortality has been observed. In this review we provide an overview of the current understanding and propose a protocol to guide cardiologists in the screening for CaHD and the timing of referral to a specialised surgical centre.
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Hart et al. (2017) conducted a review in Carcinoid heart disease. Screening protocol and early surgical intervention was evaluated. Routine cardiac screening and early surgical valve intervention are recommended to improve prognosis and survival in patients with carcinoid heart disease.
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