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Journal article

Retinal changes in visceral leishmaniasis by retinal photography

Abstract:

Background: In visceral leishmaniasis (VL), retinal changes have previously been noted but not described in detail and their clinical and pathological significance are unknown. A prospective observational study was undertaken in Mymensingh, Bangladesh aiming to describe in detail visible changes in the retina in unselected patients with VL.

Methods: Patients underwent assessment of visual function, indirect and direct ophthalmoscopy and portable retinal photography. The photographs were assessed by masked observers including assessment for vessel tortuosity using a semi-automated system.

Results: 30 patients with VL were enrolled, of whom 6 (20%) had abnormalities. These included 5 with focal retinal whitening, 2 with cotton wool spots, 2 with haemorrhages, as well as increased vessel tortuosity. Visual function was preserved.

Conclusions: These changes suggest a previously unrecognized retinal vasculopathy. An inflammatory aetiology is plausible such as a subclinical retinal vasculitis, possibly with altered local microvascular autoregulation, and warrants further investigation.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

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Publisher copy:
10.1186/1471-2334-14-527

Authors

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Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
MSD
Department:
NDM
Role:
Author


Publisher:
BioMed Central
Journal:
BMC Infectious Diseases More from this journal
Volume:
14
Article number:
527
Publication date:
2014-09-30
Acceptance date:
2014-09-23
DOI:
EISSN:
1471-2334


Language:
English
Keywords:
Pubs id:
485979
UUID:
uuid:eee7a83b-1a85-429d-a3b4-ecc14ba2c4ab
Local pid:
pubs:485979
Source identifiers:
485979
Deposit date:
2014-11-18
ARK identifier:

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