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Ischemic Stroke as the Initial Presentation of Advanced Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Case of Marantic Endocarditis
1Internal Medicine, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, USA.
Abstract:
Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), formerly known as marantic endocarditis, is a rare condition characterized by sterile vegetations on cardiac valves and is often associated with hypercoagulable states such as adenocarcinoma. We describe a patient who presented with multiple embolic cerebrovascular accidents, ultimately found to be secondary to NBTE, which served as the initial manifestation of previously undiagnosed advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma. This case underscores the importance of considering NBTE in patients with multifocal embolic infarcts, particularly when blood cultures are negative, echocardiography reveals valvular abnormalities without evidence of infection, and clinical suspicion for an underlying malignancy is present.
Insights
Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) can cause embolic strokes. This rare condition, linked to cancer, may be the first sign of advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, especially with negative blood cultures and cardiac valve abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Neurology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), or marantic endocarditis, is a rare condition.
- It involves sterile vegetations on heart valves, often linked to hypercoagulable states like adenocarcinoma.
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