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Carcinoid Heart Disease-Induced Right-Sided Heart Failure as a Culprit for Significant Ascites
Yan Huang1, Dae Yong Park1, Anas Almoghrabi2
1Department of Medicine, Cook County Health, Chicago, IL, USA.
Insights
Diagnosing carcinoid heart disease (CHD) causing ascites is challenging. This case highlights the importance of physical exam and fluid analysis for early CHD diagnosis, crucial for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hepatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Carcinoid heart disease (CHD) is a rare complication of neuroendocrine tumors.
- Ascites in CHD can be misdiagnosed, particularly with coexisting conditions like alcohol use disorder and portal hypertension.
Observation:
- A patient with a well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasm of the liver presented with ascites.
- The ascites exhibited a high serum-ascites albumin gradient and high protein content.
Findings:
- The ascites and symptoms were attributed to carcinoid heart disease (CHD).
- This case underscores the diagnostic difficulty of CHD-induced ascites.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the critical role of thorough physical examination and peritoneal fluid analysis in diagnosing CHD.
- Highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach and early intervention for improved patient outcomes in CHD.
Abstract:
The diagnosis of carcinoid heart disease as a cause of ascites can be hard to establish. We report a patient with well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasm of the liver who presented with high serum ascites albumin gradient and high protein ascites due to carcinoid heart disease (CHD). As ascites caused by CHD are rare, the etiology can easily be overlooked, especially in the setting of alcohol use disorder and portal hypertension. Through our case report, we emphasize the importance of physical examination and peritoneal fluid analysis in the diagnosis of CHD. As the management of CHD requires a multidisciplinary approach, early diagnosis is crucial so that relevant specialists can have the opportunity for early intervention in order to produce the best patient outcome.
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