Nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) is a rare antemortem diagnosis that is commonly associated with hypercoagulable states such as advanced malignancies, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and autoimmune diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus. We present a case of a previously healthy 42-year-old man who presented with small bowel infarction caused by embolic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery and was subsequently diagnosed with NBTE. Despite thorough investigation, efforts to find an underlying cause failed to reveal any associated systemic illnesses. This case report emphasizes the importance of further investigation into the possible underlying causes of NBTE, as it can manifest without any apparent systemic factors.
Keywords: bowel infarction; cardiac mass; mesenteric artery occlusion; nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis.