Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis

Abstract

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is characterized by the formation of nonbacterial verrucae on cardiac valves, especially the mitral and aortic valves. It occurs more commonly on damaged valves, but may also occur on relatively normal valves. Although NBTE is no longer considered merely a postmortem pathologic curiosity, it is seldom diagnosed clinically because of the absence of pathognomonic symptoms. Clinical suspicion is aroused in patients with an underlying process such as malignancy, disseminated intravascular coagulation, or a spectrum of other diseases and evidence of pulmonary and/or systemic embolization. Anticoagulation therapy with heparin may prevent embolization.