Cross sectional echocardiographic feature in carcinoid heart disease. A mechanism for tricuspid regurgitation in this syndrome. Issue 3 (March 1984)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, M K; Lowry, P J; Littler, W A
• Is Part Of: Heart. Volume 51:Issue 3(1984)
• Page Start: 355
• Page End: 357
• Publication Date: 1984-03
• Subjects: Heart -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; 616.12
• DOI: 10.1136/hrt.51.3.355
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1355-6037

Abstract

Abstract : In a patient with severe tricuspid regurgitation and mild pulmonary stenosis due to carcinoid heart disease cross sectional echocardiography showed nodular thickening and coaptation of the tricuspid leaflets at the beginning of systole. The leaflets were, however, seen to be increasingly pulled apart as right ventricular systole proceeded. This finding, which is probably due to traction on the leaflets by the thickened chordae tendineae, is therefore a mechanism of valvular incompetence, perhaps accounting for the particularly severe tricuspid regurgitation seen in carcinoid heart disease.