Infective endocarditis, which finding confirms the diagnosis as a minor criterion per Duke criteria?

Infective endocarditis, which finding confirms the diagnosis as a minor criterion per Duke criteria?

• A. Irregularly irregular pulse
• B. Osler's nodes
• C. Koplik spots
• D. Buccal hemorrhages

Answer: (B)

Osler nodes are painful, tender nodules on the fingertips or toes that arise from immune complex–mediated deposition in the small vessels during infective endocarditis. In the Duke criteria, immune phenomena like Osler nodes are categorized as a minor criterion. They help support the diagnosis when combined with other major or minor findings, even though they are not alone diagnostic. The other options don’t fit because irregularly irregular pulse points to atrial fibrillation rather than endocarditis criteria, Koplik spots are specific to measles, and buccal hemorrhages are not part of the Duke criteria.

Osler nodes are painful, tender nodules on the fingertips or toes that arise from immune complex–mediated deposition in the small vessels during infective endocarditis. In the Duke criteria, immune phenomena like Osler nodes are categorized as a minor criterion. They help support the diagnosis when combined with other major or minor findings, even though they are not alone diagnostic. The other options don’t fit because irregularly irregular pulse points to atrial fibrillation rather than endocarditis criteria, Koplik spots are specific to measles, and buccal hemorrhages are not part of the Duke criteria.