Complications

Having carcinoid syndrome can cause the following complications:

• Carcinoid heart disease. Some people with carcinoid syndrome develop carcinoid heart disease. Carcinoid syndrome causes problems with the heart valves, making it difficult for them to function properly. As a result, the heart valves may leak.

  Signs and symptoms of carcinoid heart disease include fatigue and shortness of breath. Carcinoid heart disease can eventually lead to heart failure. Surgical repair of damaged heart valves may be an option.

• Carcinoid crisis. Carcinoid crisis causes a severe episode of flushing, low blood pressure, confusion and breathing difficulty. Carcinoid crisis can occur in people with carcinoid tumors when they are exposed to certain triggers, including anesthetic used during surgery. Carcinoid crisis can be fatal. Your doctor may give you medications before surgery to reduce the risk of carcinoid crisis.