Boat hemorrhages

White arrow points to a boat hemorrhage in a dibetic patient. Credit: University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Boat hemorrhages are rectangular dark red spots of hemorrhage seen on fundoscopic exam. They are frequently observed in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Pathophysiology

Boat hemorrhages are due to either capillary or venular leak. The site of hemorrhage is at the interface between the retina and the vitreous humor. The contents that leak out are under such high-pressure that they break through the internal liminiting membrane of the retina.

References

External links

Diabetic Retinopathy Resource Guide from the National Eye Institute (NEI).
National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse

cs:Diabetická retinopatie de:Diabetische Retinopathie nl:Diabetische retinopathie fi:Diabeettinen retinopatia

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