Roth's spots
System: Heart & Circulation Signs · All heart & circulation signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Retinal haemorrhages with pale, white centres, seen when the back of the eye is examined with an ophthalmoscope.
What a positive finding suggests
Classically associated with infective endocarditis, though they also occur with leukaemia, diabetes and other conditions.
◈ Behind the name
Moritz Roth (1839–1914), Swiss pathologist.
Related signs — Heart & Circulation Signs
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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.