Marantic endocarditis of mitral and aortic valves

Marantic endocarditis, also known as nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE), is a rare condition typically encountered in patients with malignancy and hypercoagulable states. It is characterized by the formation of sterile fi brin–platelet vegetations on cardiac valves, which frequently lead to systemic embolic events. We report the case of an 84-year-old woman admitted with progressive exertional dyspnea and intermittent dry cough. Echocardiography revealed mobile vegetations on the mitral and aortic valves, associated with signifi cant valvular regurgitation and pulmonary hypertension. The patient remained afebrile, with persistently negative blood cultures and low infl ammatory markers. Whole-body computed tomography subsequently demonstrated pancreatic tail carcinoma with hepatic and pulmonary metastases. A diagnosis of marantic endocarditis secondary to malignancy was established. Anticoagulation and supportive therapy were initiated. Several days after discharge, the patient developed an ischemic stroke. She died a few weeks later.