Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a rare complication typically seen in association with malignancies, autoimmune diseases, and hypercoagulable states. Its occurrence in the context of severe malnutrition, particularly in anorexia nervosa, is extremely uncommon. This case describes a 28-year-old woman with a long-standing history of anorexia nervosa (restrictive subtype), who presented with fatigue, dizziness, and chest discomfort. Clinical examination revealed a systolic murmur, and echocardiography identified sterile vegetations on the mitral valve. Blood cultures were negative, and further evaluation ruled out malignancy and autoimmune disease, leading to a diagnosis of NBTE likely precipitated by profound malnutrition. The patient was managed with therapeutic anticoagulation, cautious nutritional rehabilitation, and intensive psychiatric support. Over a four-week hospitalization, she showed significant improvement in nutritional status and resolution of vegetations on follow-up imaging. This case highlights the need to consider NBTE in severely malnourished individuals and underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to address both the medical and psychiatric dimensions of anorexia nervosa.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.86378
Authors: Tooba Iqbal, Musab Asif, Farzeen Saghir, Arslan Mubarik, Ayma Saleem
Institution: Nishtar Medical College and Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411443395