Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis demonstrated by repeat echocardiography

Abstract

We report a case of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) in a patient with bladder cancer presenting with multiple cerebral infarctions. Initial transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography did not show any abnormalities. However, repeat transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a vegetation on the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve with mild mitral regurgitation and no evidence of leaflet destruction. Persistent high-grade fevers and leukocytosis were observed. The patient was suspected to have infective endocarditis. However, abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed multiple metastatic masses, and serial blood cultures were negative. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with NBTE associated with multiple metastases of bladder cancer. This case suggests that even if echocardiography does not initially demonstrate any abnormalities in patients with embolism, it must be repeated at the recurrence of embolism, and that even if clinical signs of infection are documented, NBTE should be suspected in any cancer patient with thromboembolic events.

Keywords: Bladder cancer; Echocardiography; Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis.