Osler's node

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Osler's node, a topic that has captured the attention of countless individuals throughout history. From its origins to its relevance today, Osler's node has played a significant role in various spheres of life. Through detailed analysis, we will examine the different facets of Osler's node, highlighting its impact on society, culture and science. With a retrospective and prospective look, this article seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of Osler's node and its influence on the contemporary world.

Not to be confused with Janeway lesion.
For other Osler's signs, see Osler's sign (disambiguation).
Osler's node
Osler's lesions found on the hand and fingers of a 43-year-old male with subacute bacterial endocarditis
Differential diagnosisinfective endocarditis

Osler's nodes are painful, red, raised lesions found typically on the hands and feet.[1] They are associated with a number of conditions, including infective endocarditis, and are caused by immune complex deposition. Their presence is one definition of Osler's sign.[2]

Causes

Osler's nodes result from the deposition of immune complexes.[3] 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.[5] 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 non-tender.[3]

Osler's nodes can also be seen in

Etymology

Osler's nodes are named after Sir William Osler who described them in the early twentieth century.[6][7] He described them as "ephemeral spots of a painful nodular erythema, chiefly in the skin of the hands and feet."[1]

References

  1. ^ a b Parashar, Krishan; Daveluy, Steven (2022). "Osler Node and Janeway Lesions". StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. PMID 32491553.
  2. ^ "Osler sign" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  3. ^ a b Farrior, JB; Silverman, ME (August 1976). "A consideration of the differences between a Janeway's lesion and an Osler's node in infectious endocarditis" (PDF). Chest. 70 (2): 239–43. doi:10.1378/chest.70.2.239. PMID 947688.
  4. ^ "Osler nodes" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  5. ^ "Endocarditis". The Lecturio Medical Concept Library. Retrieved 19 July 2021.
  6. ^ synd/1702 at Whonamedit?
  7. ^ Osler, W (1908–1909). "Chronic infectious endocarditis". Quarterly Journal of Medicine. 2. Oxford: 219–230.