A case of carcinoid heart metastases

J Echocardiogr. 2013 Dec;11(4):152-4. doi: 10.1007/s12574-013-0186-9. Epub 2013 Jun 21.

Abstract

Carcinoid tumor is an uncommon tumor that has often already developed metastases at the time of diagnosis. The primary site of tumors are the gastrointestinal tract, breast, and bronchus. The first manifestation of "carcinoid syndrome" occurs as a result of hormone production and cardiac involvement can be recognized in approximately half of the patients. The tricuspid or pulmonary valves are often affected, while, more rarely, the myocardial wall is of interest. A 51-year-old female patient affected by a primary pancreatic carcinoid showed interventricular septum carcinoid disease diagnosed by 2D echocardiography.

Keywords: Cancer; Carcinoid syndrome; Echocardiography; Myocardial mass.