Duke Criteria (Endocarditis) calculator
Result
Rejected — seek alternative diagnosis
Major: 0, Minor: 0
Definite: 2 major OR 1 major + 3 minor OR 5 minor. Possible: 1 major + 1 minor OR 3 minor.
How to use it
- 1
Major criteria. (1) Blood cultures with S. aureus, S. viridans, enterococci, or HACEK ×2 separated samples. (2) Echo showing vegetation, abscess, or new valvular regurgitation.
- 2
Minor criteria. Predisposing condition, fever, vascular/immunological phenomena, or positive cultures not meeting major criteria.
- 3
Classify. 2 major = Definite IE. 1 major + ≥1 minor = Possible IE. Consider TEE to upgrade echo criterion.
When to use it
- Suspected infective endocarditis
- Structuring the investigation: ×3 blood culture sets, TTE then TEE if negative, dental history.
- Guiding treatment decisions
- Definite IE: start empirical antibiotics (OPAT team, cardiac surgery consult). Possible IE: investigate further before committing to 4–6 weeks IV antibiotics.
- Pathological confirmation
- Duke criteria include pathological evidence from valve surgery/autopsy as a major criterion.
A reference for clinicians and students, not medical advice. A score supports a decision; it does not make one. Check every result against the patient in front of you and your local protocol.
At a glance
- Specialty
- Cardiology
- Inputs
- 7
- Type
- Points score
