The optimal use of cardiac imaging in the quantification of carcinoid heart disease

Abstract

Carcinoid heart disease is a rare cause of right-sided valvular dysfunction, primarily mediated by serotonin. It is an important complication in patients with carcinoid syndrome and occurs in 20–50% of such patients. Echocardiography is the main technique used for the assessment of carcinoid heart disease, but other imaging modalities are also important, particularly in the quantification of the severity of the disease. We sought to review the role of cardiac imaging in the assessment of carcinoid heart disease.