TABLE 1. The Modified Duke Criteria
Definite IE
Pathologic criteria
(1) Microorganisms demonstrated by culture or histologic
examination of a vegetation, a vegetation that has
embolized, or an intracardiac abscess specimen; or
(2) Pathologic lesions, vegetation, or intracardiac abscess
confirmed by histologic examination showing active
endocarditis
Clinical criteria
(1) 2 major criteria;
(2) 1 major criterion and 3 minor criteria; or
(3) 5 minor criteria
Possible IE
(1) 1 major criterion and 1 minor criterion; or
(2) 3 minor criteria
Rejected
(1) Firm alternate diagnosis explaining evidence of IE;
(2) Resolution of IE syndrome with antibiotic therapy for 4
days;
(3) No pathologic evidence of IE at surgery or autopsy with
antibiotic therapy for 4 days; or
(4) Does not meet criteria for possible IE, as described above