Cotton wool spots: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Proliferative retinopathy.JPG|thumb|right|An ophthalmoscopic view of the retina showing advanced signs of diabetic retinopathy including two pale cotton wool spots.]] | |||
{{Diabetic retinopathy}} | {{Diabetic retinopathy}} | ||
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Cotton wool spots''' are an abnormal finding on [[fundoscope|fundoscopic]] exam of the [[retina]]. They appear as puffy white patches on the retina. | '''Cotton wool spots''' are an abnormal finding on [[fundoscope|fundoscopic]] exam of the [[retina]]. They appear as puffy white patches on the [[retina]]. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
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===Rare Causes=== | ===Rare Causes=== | ||
[[HIV]] | *[[HIV]] | ||
[[Pancreatitis]] ([[Purtscher retinopathy]]) | *[[Pancreatitis]] ([[Purtscher retinopathy]]) | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
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[[Category:Endocrinology]] | [[Category:Endocrinology]] | ||
[[Category:Physical examination]] | [[Category:Physical examination]] | ||
[[Category:Medical signs]] | |||
[[Category:Signs and symptoms]] | [[Category:Signs and symptoms]] | ||
[[Category:Diabetes]] | [[Category:Diabetes]] | ||
[[Category:Ophthalmology]] | [[Category:Ophthalmology]] | ||
Latest revision as of 01:17, 3 June 2015
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Diabetic retinopathy Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Cotton wool spots On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cotton wool spots |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Cotton wool spots are an abnormal finding on fundoscopic exam of the retina. They appear as puffy white patches on the retina.
Pathophysiology
They are caused by damage to nerve fibers. The nerve fibers are damaged by swelling in the surface layer of the retina. The cause of this swelling is due to the reduced axonal transport (and hence backlog of intracellular products) within the nerves because of the ischaemia.
Causes
Common Causes
Rare Causes
Treatment
Treatmen of the underlying disease is the mainstay of therapy. In diabetes, cotton wool spots are one of the hallmarks of pre-proliferative retinopathy.