Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Fundoscopy - DM proliferative retinopathy

This is also one of the commonest MRCP exam question. Even medical students should know how to look at this.

When you reach this station, look around.
If you see a walking stick - Retinitis pigmentosa
If you see diabetic dermopathy- DM retinopathy(usually proliferative)
If you see an infusion pump - Grade 4 hypertensive retinopathy
If you see malar rash or Cushingoid facies - Optic atrophy

Sounds easy......but still one of the most feared exam station in PACES

The patient has DM proliferative retinopathy as evidence by multiple panphotocoagulation scars at the peripheral and also there is neovascularization. There are also dot blot haemorrhages and soft exudates.

3 comments:

merlot said...

how come my boss doesn't have a walking stick, has retinitis pigmentosa and is legally blind?

Wuchereria said...

Well, not all retinitis pigmentosa patients will have a walking stick but when you see a walking stick in station 5 Fundus, I would think of RP as it would be the most common cause. Of course you may agrue that DM retinopathy patients may have a walking stick but remember.......common things are common in exams !

Okoruwa John said...

My dad has RP, but does not have DM. Well I think he has grade3 hypertensive retinopathy. I'm a medical student and I like your work.