RETINAL LESIONS IN SEPTICEMIA

We explored the association between septicemia and specific retinal le sions in a prospective controlled study. Hemorrhages, cotton-wool spot s, or Roth's spots were found in 24 of 101 septicemic patients (24%), compared to four of 99 age- and gender-matched control patients (4%) ( P =.0002). There was no significant association between types of organ isms or focus of infection and the presence of specific lesions. Histo logic examination of affected eyes disclosed cytoid bodies in the nerv e fiber layer without inflammation. A definite association between sep ticemia and retinal lesions was found and indicates the need for routi ne ophthalmoscopy in septicemic patients.