Fever of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher is categorized as which Duke criterion?

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Multiple Choice

Fever of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher is categorized as which Duke criterion?

Fever of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher is a minor criterion in the Duke criteria for diagnosing infective endocarditis. Minor criteria are supportive findings that help classify the likelihood of IE when combined with other evidence. Fevers are common and nonspecific, so while they raise suspicion, they don’t by themselves confirm endocarditis, which is why fever is categorized as minor rather than major. Major criteria require more definitive evidence, such as typical organisms in repeated positive blood cultures or clear evidence of endocardial involvement on imaging or a new valvular regurgitation. Together with other findings, this fever can contribute to a diagnosis, but on its own it remains a minor criterion.

Fever of 38.0°C (100.4°F) or higher is a minor criterion in the Duke criteria for diagnosing infective endocarditis. Minor criteria are supportive findings that help classify the likelihood of IE when combined with other evidence. Fevers are common and nonspecific, so while they raise suspicion, they don’t by themselves confirm endocarditis, which is why fever is categorized as minor rather than major. Major criteria require more definitive evidence, such as typical organisms in repeated positive blood cultures or clear evidence of endocardial involvement on imaging or a new valvular regurgitation. Together with other findings, this fever can contribute to a diagnosis, but on its own it remains a minor criterion.

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