Janeway lesions

System: Heart & Circulation Signs · All heart & circulation signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Small, flat, painless red or haemorrhagic spots on the palms and soles.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with infective endocarditis; unlike Osler's nodes, they are painless and are thought to be septic micro-emboli.

◈ Behind the name

Edward Gamaliel Janeway (1841–1911), American physician.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.