Key result
Initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation prevented further embolic events and led to gradual neurologic improvement in a patient with non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis mimicking a flail mitral valve.
Case Report (n=1)
Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis can mimic a flail mitral valve on transesophageal echocardiography, highlighting the importance of careful imaging review and early anticoagulation to prevent recurrent strokes.
Prompts NBTE consideration in stroke mimics with valvular lesions; single case leaves open diagnostic and management strategies.
Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a rare condition characterized by sterile vegetations on cardiac valves, commonly associated with malignancy or autoimmune disorders. These vegetations pose a significant risk of embolization, leading to adverse complications such as ischemic stroke. We present a case of a 60-year-old female initially suspected of having a brain tumor, later diagnosed with multifocal strokes due to NBTE. Initial interpretation of a flail mitral valve was subsequently revised to NBTE on further assessment, but this resulted in a delay of anticoagulation initiation. This case highlights the importance of early recognition and multidisciplinary management of NBTE to prevent recurrent embolic events, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and the role of anticoagulation in its treatment.
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Mahmoud et al. (2025) conducted a case report in Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (n=1). Therapeutic anticoagulation was evaluated. Initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation prevented further embolic events and led to gradual neurologic improvement in a patient with non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis mimicking a flail mitral valve.
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