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Cardiology

Duke Criteria (Endocarditis)

7 inputsCardiology

Infective endocarditis diagnostic classification.

Duke Criteria (Endocarditis) calculator

Result

Rejected — seek alternative diagnosis

Major: 0, Minor: 0

Definite: 2 major OR 1 major + 3 minor OR 5 minor. Possible: 1 major + 1 minor OR 3 minor.

How to use it

  1. 1

    Major criteria. (1) Blood cultures with S. aureus, S. viridans, enterococci, or HACEK ×2 separated samples. (2) Echo showing vegetation, abscess, or new valvular regurgitation.

  2. 2

    Minor criteria. Predisposing condition, fever, vascular/immunological phenomena, or positive cultures not meeting major criteria.

  3. 3

    Classify. 2 major = Definite IE. 1 major + ≥1 minor = Possible IE. Consider TEE to upgrade echo criterion.

When to use it

Suspected infective endocarditis
Structuring the investigation: ×3 blood culture sets, TTE then TEE if negative, dental history.
Guiding treatment decisions
Definite IE: start empirical antibiotics (OPAT team, cardiac surgery consult). Possible IE: investigate further before committing to 4–6 weeks IV antibiotics.
Pathological confirmation
Duke criteria include pathological evidence from valve surgery/autopsy as a major criterion.

A reference for clinicians and students, not medical advice. A score supports a decision; it does not make one. Check every result against the patient in front of you and your local protocol.

At a glance

Specialty
Cardiology
Inputs
7
Type
Points score

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