Retinal hemorrhages with pale centers in infective endocarditis are known as which finding?

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Multiple Choice

Retinal hemorrhages with pale centers in infective endocarditis are known as which finding?

Roth spots are retinal hemorrhages with pale centers. In infective endocarditis, immune complex deposition or tiny septic emboli cause a small retinal hemorrhage with a fibrin-platelet–rich center, producing a pale or white appearance. They’re seen on fundoscopic exam as round white-centered hemorrhages and are a classic finding alongside other signs like fever and a new heart murmur. This helps differentiate from other endocarditis findings: Janeway lesions are painless red macules on the palms and soles from septic emboli, Osler nodes are tender nodules on the fingers or toes from immune complex deposition, and splinter hemorrhages are tiny streaks under the nails.

Roth spots are retinal hemorrhages with pale centers. In infective endocarditis, immune complex deposition or tiny septic emboli cause a small retinal hemorrhage with a fibrin-platelet–rich center, producing a pale or white appearance. They’re seen on fundoscopic exam as round white-centered hemorrhages and are a classic finding alongside other signs like fever and a new heart murmur. This helps differentiate from other endocarditis findings: Janeway lesions are painless red macules on the palms and soles from septic emboli, Osler nodes are tender nodules on the fingers or toes from immune complex deposition, and splinter hemorrhages are tiny streaks under the nails.

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