Improving outcome of valve replacement for carcinoid heart disease

Carcinoid heart disease is characterized by tricuspid valve regurgitation and varying degrees of pulmonary valve regurgitation or stenosis. Valve replacement procedures may be complicated by systemic effects of carcinoid syndrome, as well as hepatic dysfunction and right heart failure. This study was performed to identify factors that might be associated with improving early mortality rates and late outcomes.

Between November 1985 and January 2018, 240 adult patients underwent surgery for carcinoid heart disease at the Mayo Clinic. We analyzed the association of multiple clinical and echocardiographic variables on early mortality and late survival.

The median (interquartile range) age of patients was 63 years (55-69), and 117 patients (49%) were male. Before operation, 157 patients (70%) had New York Heart Association class III or IV limitation. Somatostatin analogs were used in 221 patients (92%), and long-acting somatostatins were used in 130 patients (54%). Loop diuretic therapy was used preoperatively in 125 patients (52%). Early mortality rate was 29% (9/22) between 1985 and 1994, but decreased to 7% (6/81) during 1995 to 2004, and to 5% (7/128) from 2005 onward. Overall survival estimates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 69%, 48%, and 34%, respectively. Older age, advanced New York Heart Association class, and a nonlinear effect of creatinine were independently associated with overall mortality.

Valve replacement for carcinoid heart disease has acceptable short-term mortality, and early risk has decreased in the current era. Earlier intervention may improve overall survival.