New images in carcinoid heart disease

Cardiovasc J Afr. 2012 May 12;23(4):e8-10. doi: 10.5830/CVJA-2011-038.

Abstract

Echocardiography was the main imaging technique in the diagnosis and follow up of carcinoid heart disease but in the last decade magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has evolved into a new diagnostic modality. Most of the reported MRI features were similar to those observed by echocardiography - tricuspid and/or pulmonary valve thickening and immobility with consequent valvular dysfunction and right heart enlargement. To our knowledge, this is the first report describing endocardial enhancement of the right cardiac chambers, tricuspid valve and subvalvular apparatus, which corresponds with histologically seen fibrous carcinoid plaques.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoid Heart Disease / diagnosis*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Cine / methods*
  • Middle Aged