Carcinoid and Neoplastic Heart Disease Flashcards
What are carcinoid tumors? What do they often secrete?
Neuroendocrine tumor from endocrine cells
They commonly secrete bioactive products like serotonin
What side of the heart do carcinoid tumors typically affect?
Right side
High serotonin levels from carcinoid tumors cause what kind of disease?
Plaque-like thickening of the endocardium of heart valves
What would you see histologically with a carcinoid tumor?
Thick substance (mucopolysaccharide) in the intima of the R heart
What is the most common primary tumor fo the heart called?
Myxoma
Where in the heart are myxomas commonly found?
Atria, mostly the LA
What is a myxoma composed of?
Stellate cells with a mucopolysaccharide matrix
Abnormally formed blood vessels throughout the tumor
What is the “ball-valve obstruction” as a complication of a myxoma?
The tumor can project into the AV valve and prevent forward motion of blood. Can cause positional syncope
What do myxomatous tumors secrete to cause fever and malaise?
IL-6
How are myxomas treated?
Surgical excision
They are usually benign, so there are often no further complications
