Pearls on NBTE

1. Uncommon condition, but one third develop strokes

2. May be multiple and hemorragic

3. Mental status changes are common

4. DIC associations include thrombocytopenia, decreased fibrinogen, elevated FDP, increased d-dimer

5. Vegetations usually affect mitral and aortic valves

6. Vegetations may be too small to see on cardiac imaging

7. Treatment includes anticoagulation for DIC and treatment of malignancy

8. Associations include adenoca (pancreas, lung, ovary,bowel); DM, pregnancy, surgery, AIDS, dehydration.

9. Due to underlying condition, prognosis is poor.