Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. Two-dimensional echocardiographic features in an autopsy-proven case

Diffuse thickening with localized nodularity of the aortic valve cusps was noted on two-dimensional echocardiography in a patient dying of massive esophageal variceal bleeding. Autopsy revealed nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis involving the aortic and tricuspid valves. Two-dimensional echocardiography can assist in establishing the antemortem diagnosis of this condition, thus clarifying the etiology of the associated new murmurs and embolic phenomena.