Premacular hemorrhage as a sign of subacute bacterial endocarditis.

PURPOSE/

METHODS

We examined a patient with mitral valve insufficiency, a sudden decrease in vision in the right eye, and premacular hemorrhage, which was a sign of subacute bacterial endocarditis.

RESULTS/

CONCLUSION

The patient was hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics. Blood cultures grew Streptococcus viridans. Ocular symptoms and signs improved over two months. Premacular hemorrhage may be a sign of subacute bacterial endocarditis and may obscure other classic signs. Subacute bacterial endocarditis should be included in the differential diagnosis of premacular hemorrhage.