What are Janeway lesions associated with infective endocarditis?

Janeway lesions are a distinct clinical manifestation associated with infective endocarditis, characterized by painless red macules typically found on the palms and soles. These lesions are a result of septic emboli originating from the heart valves during the infectious process, which lodge in small blood vessels of the skin, causing localized inflammation. The lack of pain in these lesions differentiates them from similar presentations, such as Osler nodes, which are painful and occur in association with the immune response rather than direct embolization.

Recognizing Janeway lesions is important in the clinical diagnosis of infective endocarditis, as their presence can guide practitioners towards further evaluation of potential valvular heart disease or infection. Their association with the condition underscores the systemic effects of embolic phenomena during the infectious process.