Vision Loss Risks in Children with Infective Endocarditis

Although rare, children diagnosed with infective endocarditis may face serious complications, including potential vision loss. This typically occurs when the infection progresses rapidly or if treatment is delayed. In particular, acute infective endocarditis can lead to a variety of systemic complications, including those affecting the eyes.

How Infective Endocarditis Can Affect Vision

Infective endocarditis involves the formation of vegetations—clumps of bacteria, platelets, and fibrin—on the heart valves. In acute cases, these vegetations can grow rapidly and become large enough to obstruct blood flow through the heart. When this happens, fragments of the vegetation can break off and travel through the bloodstream, potentially causing embolisms in various organs, including the brain and eyes.

Ocular Complications from Embolism

When emboli reach the eye, they can block blood flow in the retinal arteries or veins, leading to ischemia or hemorrhage in the retina. This can result in sudden and severe vision loss. Additionally, inflammation from the infection can spread to ocular tissues, causing uveitis or endophthalmitis, both of which are sight-threatening conditions.

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Timely medical intervention is crucial in preventing long-term complications such as blindness. Symptoms like sudden vision changes, eye pain, or redness in a child with known or suspected endocarditis should prompt immediate evaluation by a healthcare professional. A multidisciplinary approach involving cardiologists, infectious disease specialists, and ophthalmologists is often necessary for optimal outcomes.

In conclusion, while vision loss is not a common complication of infective endocarditis in children, it remains a serious risk, particularly in cases of acute infection with large or multiple vegetations. Prompt diagnosis, aggressive antibiotic therapy, and close monitoring can significantly reduce the likelihood of permanent visual impairment.