Which findings are classic for endocarditis?

The classic findings for endocarditis typically include fever and the presence of a new or changed heart murmur. Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart, usually involving the heart valves. The infection can lead to the formation of vegetations on the valves, which can result in changes to the way blood flows through the heart, leading to new murmurs or changes in previously existing murmurs.

Fever is a common systemic response to infection and is often pronounced in cases of endocarditis. The combination of these two findings—fever and a heart murmur—forms a classic presentation that prompts further investigation for potential endocarditis, especially in patients with predisposing factors such as a history of valvular heart disease, prosthetic heart valves, or intravenous drug use.

Other symptoms, such as weight loss, night sweats, or abdominal pain, may occur but are less specific and do not form the classic triad with fever and murmur that is characteristic of endocarditis. Chest pain and hemoptysis can also occur due to embolic phenomena, but they are not typical findings directly associated with endocarditis itself.