Carcinoid Syndrome-Induced Ventricular Tachycardia

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Oncology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Carcinoid tumors are rare neuroendocrine malignancies secreting bioactive substances.
• Carcinoid syndrome manifests with symptoms like flushing, diarrhea, and heart disease.
• Existing literature links carcinoid syndrome to coronary vasospasm and carcinoid heart disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a novel case of ventricular tachycardia associated with carcinoid syndrome.
• To investigate the potential link between carcinoid tumor secretions and cardiac arrhythmias.
• To highlight the efficacy of beta-blocker therapy in managing this specific arrhythmia.

Main Methods:

• A case study of a 73-year-old female with metastatic carcinoid tumors.
• Clinical presentation included syncope and dizziness, leading to pacemaker implantation.
• Subsequent readmission for ventricular tachycardia, managed with high-dose beta-blockade.

Main Results:

• The patient experienced recurrent ventricular tachycardia despite initial pacemaker intervention.
• Elevated carcinoid tumor biomarkers supported the diagnosis.
• High-dose beta-blocker therapy resulted in a 12-month arrhythmia-free follow-up.

Conclusions:

• Ventricular tachycardia in this patient is hypothesized to be mediated by bioactive substances from carcinoid tumors.
• This represents the first reported case of carcinoid syndrome-induced ventricular tachycardia.
• Beta-blocker therapy demonstrated effectiveness in suppressing the arrhythmia, warranting further investigation.