Progressive carcinoid heart disease after resection of primary ovarian carcinoid

Abstract

Primary ovarian carcinoid tumors are uncommon, and carcinoid heart disease is a rare complication. Although carcinoid syndrome and carcinoid heart disease typically occur in the setting of metastatic carcinoid tumor, particularly involving the liver, this is not necessarily the case in patients with primary ovarian carcinoid tumors. After surgical resection of an ovarian carcinoid tumor, the prognosis is excellent; however, carcinoid heart disease can continue to progress. The following is a case report of a patient who, despite having complete resection of a primary ovarian carcinoid tumor, went on to develop progressive, debilitating carcinoid heart disease. This is an important scenario to recognize, because proper management and surgical intervention in carcinoid heart disease can be lifesaving.