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.

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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.