Carcinoid Heart Disease-Induced Right-Sided Heart Failure as a Culprit for Significant Ascites

Abstract

The diagnosis of carcinoid heart disease as a cause of ascites can be hard to establish. We report a patient with well-differentiated neuroendocrine neoplasm of the liver who presented with high serum ascites albumin gradient and high protein ascites due to carcinoid heart disease (CHD). As ascites caused by CHD are rare, the etiology can easily be overlooked, especially in the setting of alcohol use disorder and portal hypertension. Through our case report, we emphasize the importance of physical examination and peritoneal fluid analysis in the diagnosis of CHD. As the management of CHD requires a multidisciplinary approach, early diagnosis is crucial so that relevant specialists can have the opportunity for early intervention in order to produce the best patient outcome.

Keywords: Carcinoid heart disease; Carcinoid syndrome; Cardiac ascites; Neuroendocrine neoplasm.