Carcinoid Heart Disease: Early Outcomes after Surgical Valve Replacement in Nine Patients

To describe the early outcomes of carcinoid patients undergoing surgical heart valve replacement.

In a retrospective study, records of patients with symptomatic carcinoid heart disease referred for valve surgery between 2012 and 2016 were reviewed. The perioperative and early postoperative outcomes were analyzed.

Nine patients, with a mean age of 61 years (range 55-70 years) underwent cardiac surgery for carcinoid syndrome. 3 patients had quadruple valve replacement, 5 had tricuspid and pulmonary valves changed, while one had tricuspid, pulmonary, and aortic valves replaced. Right-sided valves were replaced with biological valves in 8 patients and a mechanical valve in 1 patient. Left-sided valves were replaced with a mechanical valve in 2 patients and with a biological valve in 1 patient. Mean postoperative follow-up was 24 months (range 6-50 months, median 16 months). All patients had a good left ventricle except one, in whom it was mildly impaired. The right ventricle was severely dilated in 4 patients, moderately in 2, and mildly in 3. One patient died of heart failure 10 days postoperatively. Functional improvement was noted in all survivors, and they were in New York Heart Association class I at last follow up.

Although carcinoid syndrome is a rare and progressive disease, valve replacement in symptomatic patients is a reasonable option with survival benefit, low early postoperative mortality, without valve-related complications, and with functional improvement. Cardiac assessment is required in all patients with carcinoid disease from the earliest time of medical treatment to improve patients' result.