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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Biaxial Mechanical Characterizations of Atrioventricular Heart Valves
Published on: April 9, 2019
Rapid Bioprosthetic Valve Degeneration in Carcinoid Heart Disease
Everett Woods1, Ziad Affas1, Souheil Saba1
1Department of Cardiology, Henry Ford Providence, Southfield, Michigan, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Henry Ford Providence, Southfield, Michigan, USA.
Background:
Carcinoid heart disease frequently necessitates right-sided valve replacement, but prosthesis choice remains debated.
Case Summary:
A 66-year-old woman with carcinoid heart disease underwent tricuspid and pulmonic valve replacement. Within 6 months, she developed severe bioprosthetic stenosis and regurgitation, far earlier than typically reported.
Discussion:
After multidisciplinary review, the rapid failure was attributed to recurrent carcinoid valvulopathy. Mechanical valve replacement was considered but deferred because of patient preference and comorbidities.
Take-Home Message:
This case illustrates unusually rapid bioprosthetic valve degeneration in carcinoid heart disease and supports considering mechanical valves in select patients.
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