Osler's node

Osler's nodes are painful, red, raised lesions on the palms and soles. They are associated with a number of conditions, including infective endocarditis, and are caused by immune complex deposition. They are named after Sir William Osler who described them in the early 20th century.^[1][2] Their presence is one definition of Osler's sign.^[3]

Causes

Osler's nodes result from the deposition of immune complexes.^{[citation needed]} The resulting inflammatory response leads to swelling, redness, and pain that characterize these lesions.

The nodes are commonly indicative of subacute bacterial endocarditis.^[4] 10–25% of endocarditis patients will have Osler's nodes.^{[citation needed]} Other signs of endocarditis include Roth's spots and Janeway lesions. The latter, which also occur on the palms and soles, can be differentiated from Osler's nodes because they are nontender.^[5]

It can also be seen in

• systemic lupus erythematosus
• marantic endocarditis
• disseminated gonococcal infection
• distal to infected arterial catheter

External links

• Picture of Osler's nodes and Janeway's lesions

References

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