Embolic Showering from Non-Bacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis and Adenocarcinoma of the Lung

Abstract

Background: Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a paraneoplastic phenomenon with sterile vegetations. It is associated with adenocarcinoma and can shower emboli, which can be the presenting symptom. Case Presentation: A 44-year-old woman with adenocarcinoma of the lung presented with chest pain, left hand weakness, and ataxia due to repeated embolic showering from NBTE to the central nervous system (CNS) and spleen. Conclusion: NBTE is a rare condition that should be on the differential diagnosis in patients with culture-negative endocarditis and a history of adenocarcinoma.

Keywords

• endocarditis
• infective endocarditis
• lung cancer
• marantic endocarditis