Current Practice in Carcinoid Heart Disease and Burgeoning Opportunities

Opinion statement Cardiac surgery with tricuspid valve and potentially pulmonic valve replacement at an experienced center is currently the most effective strategy available for the treatment of carcinoid heart disease. Cardiac surgery for carcinoid heart disease requires a multidisciplinary team including cardiology, medical oncology, cardiothoracic anesthesia, and cardiac surgery. Without cardiac surgery, morbidity and mortality from carcinoid heart disease is high. Aggressive management of carcinoid before and after cardiac surgery is critical. Over time, though, circulating carcinoid hormones can lead to destruction of prosthetic valves as well, resulting in recurrent right heart failure. Percutaneous options for valve repair may be on the horizon for management of carcinoid heart disease.

Automated summary

Cardiac surgery with tricuspid valve and potentially pulmonic valve replacement is currently the most effective treatment strategy for carcinoid heart disease. A multidisciplinary team is required for the management, and aggressive management before and after surgery is critical. Percutaneous valve repair may be a potential option in the future.