Related Experiment Videos
[Embolic retinitis in Haemophilus parainfluenzae endocarditis]
1Service d'Ophtalmologie, Centre Hospitalier de Saint Germain-en-Laye.
Abstract:
Infectious embolic retinopathy occurring secondary to a bacterial endocarditis is described in a 38-year-old woman with known aortic disease. The infectious organism was a haemophilus parainfluenzae confirmed by serial blood cultures and characterized by an embolic power equal to fungal infection. After four-weeks period of appropriate and intensive antibiotic therapy, blood cultures became negative but new emboli were observed in the fundus. This report describes ocular lesions rarely observed in endogenous bacterial retinitis. The delay between the bacterial endocarditis and the occurrence of the retinitis emphasizes the need for a long-term follow-up. Ophthalmologic examination can be acline for changing the heart valve.
Insights
Infectious embolic retinopathy from bacterial endocarditis can manifest late, even after treatment. Ocular findings may indicate the need for cardiac valve intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiology
Background:
- Bacterial endocarditis can lead to systemic complications, including ocular involvement.
- Infectious embolic retinopathy is a rare manifestation of endogenous bacterial endocarditis.
- Aortic disease increases the risk of bacterial endocarditis.