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Cerebral embolism, marantic endocarditis, and cancer
Archives of Neurology
|April 1, 1976
Summary
Cerebral embolism from marantic endocarditis (NBTE) is a significant, often overlooked, remote effect of cancer. This study highlights the critical need to consider NBTE in cancer patients presenting with neurological symptoms like stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Marantic (nonbacterial thrombotic) endocarditis (NBTE) is a recognized complication associated with cancer.
- Cerebral embolism is a serious neurological event that can occur in patients with NBTE.
Observation:
- Autopsy review identified 18 subjects with both NBTE and cancer.
- Eight of these subjects experienced a stroke, with five presenting stroke as their initial cancer symptom.
Findings:
- A significant association exists between cancer and NBTE.
- Cerebral embolism is a frequent complication of NBTE in cancer patients, sometimes being the first sign of malignancy.
Implications:
- Cerebral embolism due to NBTE should be more seriously considered as a neurological manifestation of cancer.
- Increased awareness can lead to earlier diagnosis and improved management of cancer patients with embolic events.