Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 26, 2025
08:42
Cox-Maze IV Procedure Concomitant with Valvular Surgery In Situs Inversus Dextrocardia: A Single-Center Experience in China
Published on: February 11, 2022
3.7K
A Rare Case of Carcinoid Constrictive Pericarditis
Teresa S Wang1, Emily K Bergsland2, Ruth Zhang3
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
JACC. Case Reports
|July 28, 2021
Summary
A rare case of carcinoid heart disease was diagnosed in a patient with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors. The condition, carcinoid-related constrictive pericarditis, presented as pleural effusions and edema.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Neuroendocrine tumors, particularly atypical carcinoid tumors, can metastasize to distant sites including the liver and lymph nodes.
- Carcinoid heart disease is a rare complication of neuroendocrine tumors, often involving the right heart valves.
- Constrictive pericarditis is a less common manifestation of carcinoid syndrome affecting cardiac function.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old woman with metastatic well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor presented with recurrent unilateral pleural effusions and lower extremity edema.
- Clinical presentation suggested fluid overload and impaired cardiac function.
- Initial investigations were performed to determine the cause of the patient's symptoms.
Findings:
- Multimodality imaging and comprehensive workup led to the diagnosis of carcinoid-related constrictive pericarditis.
- This diagnosis highlights a rare manifestation of carcinoid heart disease.
- The patient's symptoms were attributed to the pericardial involvement secondary to the neuroendocrine tumor.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering rare cardiac complications in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors.
- Early diagnosis and management of carcinoid-related constrictive pericarditis are crucial for patient outcomes.
- Further research into the mechanisms and treatment of this rare condition is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
66
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
66
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
77
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
77
01:29Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
129
Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is a rare heart muscle disease characterized by impaired ventricular filling due to stiffened ventricular walls, leading to significant diastolic dysfunction.EtiologyRestrictive cardiomyopathy can arise from both inherited and acquired diseases, many of which are systemic. It is categorized into four main types: infiltrative, storage, non-infiltrative, and endomyocardial diseases.Infiltrative diseases, such as amyloidosis, lead to RCM by depositing amyloid...
129
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
66
The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
66
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
116
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
116
01:25Cardiomyopathy I: Introduction and Classification
140
Cardiomyopathy, or CMP, is a group of diseases affecting the myocardial structure, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively. This condition can lead to arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.Cardiomyopathies are classified into primary and secondary categories:Primary Cardiomyopathy refers to conditions involving only the heart muscle that are often idiopathic (of unknown cause) or genetic. They primarily affect the myocardium without the involvement of other systemic...
140