A review of the spectrum of clinical ocular fundus findings in P. falciparum malaria in African children with a proposed classification and grading system.

Journal article

Ocular fundus pathology in Plasmodium falciparum malaria is common and has prognostic significance. We have made a collaborative effort to document the ocular features in several populations. Based on examination of 735 patients in Malawi, Kenya and The Gambia by direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy with dilated pupils, we have determined that the 5 distinct clinical features (in order of frequency) include retinal whitening, haemorrhages, unique vessel abnormalities, papilloedema, and cotton wool spots. Photographs and descriptions of these are presented, along with a proposed grading scheme.

Authors: Lewallen, S; Harding, S; Ajewole, J; Schulenburg, W; Molyneux, M

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
• Volume: 93
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 619-622
• Publication date: 1999-01-01
• DOI: 10.1016/s0035-9203(99)90071-8
• EISSN: 1878-3503
• ISSN: 0035-9203
• Language: English
• Keywords: Retinal Hemorrhage; Papilledema; Malaria, Falciparum; Child; Retinal Vessels; Humans; Fundus Oculi; Eye Infections, Parasitic; Retinal Diseases