Carcinoid heart disease from primary carcinoid tumour of the ovary. Haemodynamic and cine coronary angiocardiographic study after operation.

Abstract

Eight cases of carcinoid heart disease associated with primary ovarian carcinoid tumour have been previously reported. A case is described in which rapid relief of all symptoms followed removal of an ovarian carcinoid argentaffin tumour. A diagnostic finding was the provocation offlushing by pressure on the ovarian mass on vaginal examination. Cardiological investigations, performed two and a half months after operation, are presented. A peculiar angiocardiographic feature was the loss of trabeculations of the right ventricle.

Ovarian Tumor-Associated Carcinoid Heart Disease Presenting as Severe Tricuspid Regurgitation

“…However, primary ovarian carcinoid tumors, accounting for 0.5% of all carcinoid tumors, are very rare, and fewer than 10% of primary ovarian carcinoid tumors are associated with carcinoid syndrome. 1) 2) …”

“…Primary ovarian carcinoid tumors are rare, accounting for 0.5% of all carcinoid tumors, 1) and carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid heart disease are believed to complicate fewer than 10% of these rare ovarian neoplasms. 2) Such tumors are usually suspected on detection of a pelvic mass and the presence of carcinoid syndrome, which is characterized by facial flushing and diarrhea, or typical carcinoid heart disease (right-sided valvular involvement). 3) Most carcinoid tumors have to metastasize to the liver to result in symptoms of carcinoid syndrome; however, primary ovarian carcinoid tumors are unique in this regard because the venous drainage of the ovaries bypasses the portal venous system.…”