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Marantic endocarditis presenting with multifocal neurological symptoms

S F Wong1, J Seow, K Profitis

  • 1Joint Ludwig Austin Oncology Unit, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Internal Medicine Journal
|February 14, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), a rare condition, can be caused by cancer. This case highlights NBTE secondary to lung adenocarcinoma presenting with neurological symptoms.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Neurology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), or marantic endocarditis, affects 0.3-9.3% of adults at autopsy.
  • NBTE associated with malignancy is an underrecognized cause of thromboembolic disorders.
  • NBTE clinical presentations are often non-specific, mimicking other acute conditions like infective endocarditis.

Observation:

  • A 34-year-old woman presented with non-localizing, multifocal neurological symptoms.
  • Initial investigations did not yield a specific diagnosis, raising suspicion for alternative causes.

Findings:

  • The patient was diagnosed with NBTE secondary to a resectable primary lung adenocarcinoma.
  • This case underscores the link between NBTE and underlying malignancy.

Implications:

  • Early recognition of NBTE in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms is crucial for timely cancer diagnosis.
  • Increased awareness of NBTE as a paraneoplastic syndrome can improve patient outcomes.
  • Multidisciplinary approaches involving cardiology, neurology, and oncology are essential for managing NBTE associated with cancer.

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