Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis

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Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis
SpecialtyCardiology Edit this on Wikidata
TreatmentAnticoagulation

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a form of endocarditis in which small sterile vegetations are deposited on the valve leaflets. Formerly known as marantic endocarditis, which comes from the Greek marantikos, meaning "wasting away".[1] The term "marantic endocarditis" is still sometimes used to emphasize the association with a wasting state[2] such as cancer.[3]

Risk factors[edit]

Marantic vegetations are often associated with previous rheumatic fever. Other risk factors include:[citation needed]

Valve predilection[edit]

The disease affects the valves with following predilection: mitral valve > aortic valve > tricuspid valve > pulmonary valve[4]

Histopathology[edit]

Grossly, vegetations form along lines of valve closure and are generally symmetric with a smooth or verrucoid (warty) texture. Histologically, lesions are composed of fibrin[5] (eosinophilic) and platelets but, unlike bacterial etiologies, contain little evidence of PMNs, microorganisms or inflammation.[citation needed]

Diagnosis[edit]

Due to the non-invasive nature of NBTE, clinical examination may or may not reveal a new murmur. An embolic stroke may be the first feature to suggest diagnosis of NBTE. An echocardiogram may be used to further assess for valvular lesions.[citation needed]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Neurological Sequelae of Infectious Endocarditis at eMedicine
  2. ^ "Noninfective Endocarditis: Endocarditis: Merck Manual Professional". Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  3. ^ "Marantic endocarditis". Online Medical Dictionary. Retrieved 2008-12-22.
  4. ^ "UpToDate".
  5. ^ "nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary

External links[edit]