Endocarditis differential diagnosis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Endocarditis often presents as an unexplained fever and must be distinguished from other causes of a fever of unknown origin (FUO).
Differential Diagnosis
Causes of a fever of unknown origin which endocarditis must be differentiated from include a drug fever, lymphoma, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. Disseminated granulomatoses such as Tuberculosis, Histoplasmosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Blastomycosis and Sarcoidosis can also cause a FUO. Blood cultures and echocardiography are critical in differentiating endocarditis from these other syndromes. A drug fever will resolve with discontinuation of the offending agent. There may be elevated urine eosinophils and a peripheral eosinophilia as well.