Osler's node

Osler's Nodes

Osler's nodes are painful, red, raised lesions found on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. They are named after Sir William Osler, who first described them in the early 20th century. These nodes are considered a classic clinical sign associated with a number of systemic conditions, most notably infective endocarditis. The appearance of Osler's nodes is due to the deposition of immune complexes in the small vessels of the skin.

Osler's node on the finger, indicative of underlying systemic disease.

Definition and Characteristics

Osler's nodes are tender, raised, red or purple lesions, typically measuring a few millimeters to 1-2 centimeters in diameter. They are transient, often lasting a few hours to several days, and may leave a bruised area as they resolve.

Pathophysiology

The pathogenesis of Osler's nodes involves the deposition of immune complexes in the dermal vessels, leading to a localized vasculitis and subsequent inflammatory response. This process is typically associated with systemic infections or diseases that produce circulating immune complexes.

Clinical Significance

Osler's nodes are most commonly associated with infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart valves. Their presence can be a critical clue in the diagnosis of this condition. However, they may also be seen in a variety of other diseases, including: - Collagen vascular diseases - Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) - Septicemia - Meningococcemia

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of conditions associated with Osler's nodes involves a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including the history of present illness, physical examination, and relevant laboratory tests. Diagnosis of infective endocarditis, for instance, may require blood cultures and echocardiography to identify the presence of heart valve infection.

Management

Management of Osler's nodes involves treating the underlying condition. In the case of infective endocarditis, this typically includes prolonged antibiotic therapy. Additional treatments may be necessary based on the specific underlying cause and the extent of systemic involvement.

External Links

• National Center for Biotechnology Information - Infective Endocarditis
• American Heart Association - Endocarditis

References

Osler's node Resources
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