Marantic endocarditis (NBTE) with systemic emboli and paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration: uncommon presentation of ovarian cancer

J Neurooncol. 2007 May;83(1):81-3. doi: 10.1007/s11060-006-9306-y. Epub 2007 Jan 5.

Abstract

We report a case in which the only presenting symptoms of the underlying ovarian malignancy were that of paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis. If suspecting paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration and nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis, complete physical examination, including pelvic exams in female patients is warranted. Investigations should include CT chest/abdominal/pelvis, MRI brain, and Transesophageal Echocardiogram. Early recognition will lead to early diagnosis of occult malignancy and initiation of appropriate therapy. Awareness of these complications as initial presentation for internists, gynecologists and neurologists may avoid diagnostic delay.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / complications
  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal
  • Endocarditis / diagnostic imaging
  • Endocarditis / etiology*
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Mitral Valve / diagnostic imaging
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / complications*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Paraneoplastic Cerebellar Degeneration / etiology*
  • Pulmonary Embolism / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism / etiology*
  • Thrombosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Thrombosis / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed