Work

Non-bacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis Presenting as Cardiogenic Shock With Anterior ST Elevation Revealing an Occult Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) associated with cholangiocarcinoma is rare, with only a few case reports described. The diagnosis is usually made after a thrombotic event or stroke. We report the case of a 44-year-old South African woman who presented with cardiogenic shock and ST elevation while receiving rivaroxaban for a recent pulmonary embolism. Autopsy revealed myocardial embolization secondary to NBTE associated with cholangiocarcinoma. This case highlights the value of point-of-care echocardiography in ruling out complications or alternative diagnoses in atypical presentations of acute coronary syndrome. Furthermore, it underscores that, in NBTE, anticoagulation with heparin is the preferred regimen.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.117501

Authors: Colin Hannesse, Francesca Chiara Della Casa, Selda Aydin, Pamela Baldin, Anja Kerschen

Institution: Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc

Language: English

Topic: Infective Endocarditis Diagnosis and Management

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7220381311