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Osler's nodes
System: Heart & Circulation Signs · All heart & circulation signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Small, painful, raised red-purple nodules on the pads of the fingers and toes.
What a positive finding suggests
Associated with infective endocarditis; unlike Janeway lesions, they are tender and are thought to be immune-complex mediated.
◈ Behind the name
Sir William Osler (1849–1919), Canadian-American physician, one of the founders of modern medicine.
Related signs — Heart & Circulation Signs
Browse the O section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
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.