Carcinoid heart disease / 中国实用内科杂志

ABSTRACT

Carcinoid tumors are relatively rare neuroendocrine malignancies most commonly originating from enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract.Carcinoid syndrome occurs when tumor cells metastasize to the liver,as the vasoactive substances produced are able to reach the systemic circulation via the hepatic vein.The development of carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is thought to be related to the vasoactive substances secreted by the metastatic tumor cells in the liver,reaching the right heart.This is associated with deposition of fibrous tissue on the endocardial surfaces of the heart.Several series have reported CHD in up to 70% of cases of carcinoid syndrome.Somatostatin analogue use is a therapeutic cornerstone,effective in symptomatic control of the endocrine syndrome.In patients with severe cardiac involvement and well-controlled systemic disease,valve replacement surgery is an effective treatment modality that can relieve intractable symptoms and contribute to improved outcome.