Arq Bras Cardiol: Imagem cardiovasc 2025; 38(1): e20240126
Asymptomatic Non-Bacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis Leading to a Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer
DOI: 10.36660/abcimg.20240126i
Introduction
Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a phenomenon associated with sterile vegetations composed of fibrin and platelets aggregating on healthy heart valves. Most cases are diagnosed after death or in patients experiencing systemic embolization. Diagnosis relies on clinical suspicion and a compatible echocardiographic image. The correct treatment is long-term systemic anticoagulation to avoid arterial embolization, which often presents as multiple and recurrent ischemic strokes.
The first antemortem report of NBTE as the initial presentation of underlying pancreatic cancer was published in 2008. However, incidental diagnosis of uncomplicated NBTE that leads to a subsequent discovery of carcinoma is rare.
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