What are the proposed modifications to the Duke criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis?
The proposed modifications to the Duke criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis include the utilization of specific echocardiographic findings, such as the presence of vegetation, abscess, and new valvular regurgitation. Additionally, the presence of persistent bacteremia, defined as two positive blood cultures with the same organism, as well as evidence of endocardial involvement on echocardiography or autopsy, can be used to diagnose infective endocarditis. Other criteria include fever, positive blood cultures, and an echocardiographic abnormality compatible with endocarditis. (Ref: Li JS, Sexton DJ, Mick N, Nettles R, Fowler VG Jr, Ryan T, Bashore T, Corey GR. Proposed modifications to the Duke criteria for the diagnosis of infective endocarditis. Clin Infect Dis. 2000;30:633 638. doi: 10.1086/313753.)