Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is best described as?

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is best described as?

• A. Endocardial damage causing sterile vegetations composed of calcium.
• B. Endocardial damage resulting in an influx of platelets and fibrin, creating an ideal site for bacteria.
• C. Infection of the endocardium by fungi.
• D. Calcific degeneration of valves due to aging.

Answer: (B)

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis involves sterile vegetations on heart valves that arise when damaged endocardium triggers deposition of fibrin and platelets. These clumps of thrombus are not infected themselves, but because they sit on a damaged surface, they can become a nidus where any circulating bacteria might adhere if bacteremia occurs. The vegetations are friable and can embolize to organs like the brain or spleen. This differs from calcium-rich deposits or infectious endocarditis: the former are calcific or degenerative, and the latter implies actual infection of the valve.

Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis involves sterile vegetations on heart valves that arise when damaged endocardium triggers deposition of fibrin and platelets. These clumps of thrombus are not infected themselves, but because they sit on a damaged surface, they can become a nidus where any circulating bacteria might adhere if bacteremia occurs. The vegetations are friable and can embolize to organs like the brain or spleen. This differs from calcium-rich deposits or infectious endocarditis: the former are calcific or degenerative, and the latter implies actual infection of the valve.