Assesment of the Duke criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis after twenty-years. An analysis of 241 cases

摘要

Background and aimsIn the absence of classical features (fever, cardiac murmur, and peripheral vascular stigmata) the diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) may be difficult. Current clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of IE recommend the use of modified Duke criteria. Correct and prompt diagnosis of IE is crucial for the treatment and outcome of the patients.The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and the individual value of each criterion of the modified Duke criteria in our patients with infective endocarditis.