Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), also referred as marantic endocarditis, refers to fibrin and platelets aggregations on previously undamaged heart valves, in patients without bacteremia. The condition is seen in patients with advanced stage malignancies and is related to episodes of multisystemic emboli.

Epidemiology

NBTE is usually present in patients ranging between the 4th and the 8th decades of life, however, the real incidence is unknown . A higher incidence has been reported among patients with advanced stage malignancies, connective tissue disorders, autoimmune disorders (e.g. systemic lupus erythematosus), and hypercoagulable states .

Clinical presentation

The condition has no specific clinical signs or symptoms. Presence of a new heart murmur on clinical examination has been reported. Signs of multiple systemic emboli without a known source or an infectious process will raise the possibility of this diagnosis.