Carcinoid heart disease and a primary ovarian carcinoid tumor

Patients with primary ovarian carcinoid tumors may develop carcinoid syndrome and heart disease in the absence of metastasis. The release of bioactive amines by carcinoid tumors into the systemic circulation leads to right-sided valvular dysfunction and subsequent right ventricular failure. Surgical correction of carcinoid heart disease can reduce the symptoms of heart failure and lead to an improved prognosis. We report a case of a 55-year-old female who presented with carcinoid heart disease caused by a primary ovarian carcinoid tumor and underwent valve replacement surgery.