Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis in an adolescent with Hodgkin disease

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is one of several coagulopathies common in patients with cancer. It is rare in children; only four cases have been reported in children with cancer. Five other cases have occurred in bone marrow transplant patients. We report an adolescent who died from cerebral infarction and was found on autopsy to have NBTE of the mitral valve. We review the signs and symptoms, pathology, mortality, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches associated with NBTE. We wish to call attention to this disorder among those who treat children with cancer.