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Septic retinitis
Medical expert of the article
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
Septic conditions observed after childbirth in patients with endocarditis, cerebrospinal meningitis, pneumonia, etc., are often complicated by retinitis.
The ophthalmoscopic picture in septic retinitis is nonspecific and differs from that in retinitis of other etiologies only in the severity of the process, i.e. in the number and size of exudative foci in the retina.
The most typical picture of the fundus of the eye in metastatic retinitis in patients with septicemia: white exudative foci of various sizes with numerous hemorrhages appear above the level of the fundus, the veins are dilated and tortuous, the optic disc is hyperemic, its borders are blurred, vision is significantly reduced. Very rarely, the reverse development of the process occurs, after which atrophic foci remain. More often, near the focus, opacity of the vitreous body occurs, which then spreads to the entire vitreous body, as a result of which typical endophthalmitis develops, and then panophthalmitis.
Another type of septic retinitis is known, in which the changes are based on inflammation around the vessels - perivasculitis. Ophthalmoscopy reveals cuffs accompanying the vessels, which histologically represent inflammatory cellular infiltrates in the vessel walls. Yellow-white sharply demarcated foci are visible between the vessels in the retina; hemorrhages may be observed.
Intensive treatment of the underlying disease is indicated. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, dexazone, and mydriatics are administered subconjunctivally.
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