Foveal Micro-embolism in Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis and the Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.
Publication/Presentation Date
3-30-2026
Abstract
PURPOSE: To report a case of foveal micro-embolism in the setting of subacute bacterial endocarditis following routine dental cleaning.
METHODS: Retrospective case report and literature review.
RESULTS: A 45-year-old man presented with subacute bacterial endocarditis and a small distortion of vision his left eye. Aside from renal, splenic, and brain embolization the patient showed no splinter hemorrhages, Roth spots, Osler's nodes, and Janeway lesions. Further examination demonstrated a discrete, non-hemorrhagic lesion which corresponded to hyperreflective foci disrupting the inner and outer retinal layers on optical coherence tomography. This lesion resolved with observation and intravenous antibiotics.
DISCUSSION: We propose this case represents a distinct embolic mechanism mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps. Recognition of this mechanism may help expand our understanding of the spectrum of embolic phenomena in endocarditis.
ISSN
1937-1578
Published In/Presented At
Muste, J. C., Pulido, J. S., Fell, D., Xu, T. T., Zafar, S., Richards, C. J., Massenzio, E., Aguwa, U., Farrell, L., Dunn, J. P., & Deaner, J. D. (2026). Foveal Micro-embolism in Subacute Bacterial Endocarditis and the Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. Retinal cases & brief reports, 10.1097/ICB.0000000000001904. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1097/ICB.0000000000001904
Disciplines
Business Administration, Management, and Operations | Health and Medical Administration | Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
PubMedID
41910722
Department(s)
Administration and Leadership
Document Type
Article