Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE/marantic endocarditis) most characteristically features:
- A Large irregular vegetations on both surfaces of the mitral valve, positive blood cultures
- B Small sterile fibrin-platelet vegetations along the line of valve closure, associated with hypercoagulable states and malignancy ✓
- C Verrucous vegetations on the atrial surface of the mitral valve in rheumatic fever
- D Calcification of the aortic valve cusps without vegetation in degenerative calcific stenosis
Correct answer: B. Small sterile fibrin-platelet vegetations along the line of valve closure, associated with hypercoagulable states and malignancy
Explanation
NBTE (marantic endocarditis) consists of small, sterile, bland thrombi (fibrin and platelets only) that form along the line of valve closure, typically on the mitral valve. They occur in hypercoagulable states including mucinous adenocarcinomas, sepsis, and SLE (Libman-Sacks has verrucous vegetations on both surfaces). Blood cultures are negative. They can embolize causing stroke.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.