Infective endocarditis in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma: a case report

A common sequela of certain malignancies is nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), a phenomenon in which sterile fibrin/platelet aggregates are deposited onto normal cardiac valves. These verrucae represent a predisposing factor for the initiation of infective endocarditis following a bacteremia. This paper presents a case history which is highly suggestive of infective endocarditis which occurred as a result of multiple odontogenic abscesses in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma. The case illustrates the important role that the dentist can play in the management of cancer patients and emphasizes a wholistic concept of medical care in which the dentist is an integral member of the health-care team.