Which systemic feature is commonly seen in endocarditis?

Which systemic feature is commonly seen in endocarditis?

• A. Petechiae
• B. Erythema migrans
• C. Jaundice from gallstones
• D. Peripheral edema

Answer: (A)

Endocarditis often causes small-vessel hemorrhages in the skin due to circulating septic emboli and immune-complex–mediated vascular injury. These processes produce petechiae—tiny red or purple spots that appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Petechiae are a classic systemic sign of endocarditis because they reflect the widespread vascular involvement from the infection, including microemboli shed from valvular vegetations and immune reactions in small vessels. Other options don’t fit as well. Erythema migrans is therash of Lyme disease, not endocarditis. Jaundice from gallstones isn’t a characteristic feature of endocarditis. Peripheral edema can occur if heart failure develops from valve destruction, but it’s not a primary or most specific systemic manifestation of endocarditis.

Endocarditis often causes small-vessel hemorrhages in the skin due to circulating septic emboli and immune-complex–mediated vascular injury. These processes produce petechiae—tiny red or purple spots that appear on the skin and mucous membranes. Petechiae are a classic systemic sign of endocarditis because they reflect the widespread vascular involvement from the infection, including microemboli shed from valvular vegetations and immune reactions in small vessels.

Other options don’t fit as well. Erythema migrans is therash of Lyme disease, not endocarditis. Jaundice from gallstones isn’t a characteristic feature of endocarditis. Peripheral edema can occur if heart failure develops from valve destruction, but it’s not a primary or most specific systemic manifestation of endocarditis.