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Carcinoid Heart Disease: a Review

  • Neuroendocrine Neoplasms (NS Reed, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The development of carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a fibrotic complication of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) which is associated with a poor prognosis. This review aims to summarise the clinical features, investigations and management of this condition.

Recent Findings

CHD can affect up to 50% of NET patients with carcinoid syndrome. However, it is often not screened for appropriately and recognised late when patients become symptomatic. A screening strategy with biomarkers and multimodality imaging is necessary for early recognition. Management by an experienced multidisciplinary team with appropriate medical therapeutic strategies and where indicated surgical intervention is needed to optimise clinical outcomes.

Summary

CHD is a poor prognostic factor, but recently, outcomes have improved due to the multidisciplinary approach and centralised care of CHD-NET patients.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, Centre for Gastroenterology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK

    Faidon-Marios Laskaratos & Christos Toumpanakis

  2. Carcinoid Heart Disease Clinic, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK

    Joseph Davar

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  1. Faidon-Marios Laskaratos
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  2. Joseph Davar
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Correspondence to Christos Toumpanakis.

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Laskaratos, FM., Davar, J. & Toumpanakis, C. Carcinoid Heart Disease: a Review. Curr Oncol Rep 23, 48 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11912-021-01031-z

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