Abstract

LAINEZ-SANCHEZ, Luis Alberto  and  ESQUIVEL-ALFARO, Lidiette. The carcinoid heart disease. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2013, vol.55, n.4, pp.192-195. ISSN 0001-6002.

Carcinoid heart disease is very uncommon. This condition occurs in 50% of patients with malignant carcinoid syndrome and is characterized by fibrosis of the tricuspid and pulmonary valves, and of the right ventricular endocardium. The latter might cause right-sided heart failure, which directly affects the patient’s prognosis. We report the case of a 29-year-old male suffering from carcinoid syndrome with hepatic metastases that was referred for cardiac evaluation due to dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. Carcinoid heart syndrome was diagnosed. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis and management of this very rare condition are discussed.

Keywords : carcinoid syndrome; malignant carcinoid syndrome; carcinoid heart disease.

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