J E Kim1, D P Han. 1. Department of Ophthalmology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee 53226, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE/ METHODS: We examined a patient with mitral valve insufficiency, a sudden decrease in vision in the right eye, and premacular hemorrhage, which was a sign of subacute bacterial endocarditis. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: The patient was hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus viridans. Ocular symptoms and signs improved over two months. Premacular hemorrhage may be a sign of subacute bacterial endocarditis and may obscure other classic signs. Subacute bacterial endocarditis should be included in the differential diagnosis of premacular hemorrhage.
PURPOSE/ METHODS: We examined a patient with mitral valve insufficiency, a sudden decrease in vision in the right eye, and premacular hemorrhage, which was a sign of subacute bacterial endocarditis. RESULTS/ CONCLUSION: The patient was hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus viridans. Ocular symptoms and signs improved over two months. Premacular hemorrhage may be a sign of subacute bacterial endocarditis and may obscure other classic signs. Subacute bacterial endocarditis should be included in the differential diagnosis of premacular hemorrhage.