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[Infective endocarditis in a patient with vision disorders]
Agnieszka Ścisłowicz1, Piotr Piejko1, Mateusz Nowak1
15th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic in Cracow, Poland.
Polski Merkuriusz Lekarski : Organ Polskiego Towarzystwa Lekarskiego
|December 12, 2018
Summary
Roth spots, a rare ophthalmic sign, can indicate infective endocarditis. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition led to improved vision and resolved retinal changes in a patient.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Roth spots are retinal petechiae with pale centers, often linked to bacterial endocarditis.
- While unspecific, Roth spots are frequently observed in patients with hematopoietic system diseases.
- These spots can manifest as sudden visual impairment.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old patient presented with sudden visual impairment.
- Fundoscopy revealed bilateral Roth spots, raising suspicion for infective endocarditis.
- The patient's condition was confirmed by the Cardiology department.
Findings:
- Treatment for infective endocarditis resulted in significant visual acuity improvement.
- Retinal changes, including Roth spots, resolved following successful treatment.
- This case highlights the diagnostic value of ophthalmic findings.
Implications:
- Ophthalmic examination, specifically fundoscopy, can aid in early diagnosis of infective endocarditis.
- Roth spots serve as a crucial, albeit uncommon, indicator for systemic disease.
- Timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment are vital for patient outcomes.
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