Cherry-red spot
Cherry-red spot
A Cherry-red spot (pronunciation: /ˈtʃɛri rɛd spɒt/) is a medical term referring to a red spot that appears at the center of the macula, the small area at the center of the retina, in certain disease conditions.
Etymology
The term "cherry-red spot" is derived from its appearance, which resembles a red cherry. The spot is named for its bright red color, which stands out against the lighter pink or orange color of the surrounding retina.
Definition
A cherry-red spot is a finding seen on funduscopy, where a bright red spot is observed against a pale background in the macula. This is caused by a relative transparency of the macula due to underlying accumulation of storage material in the ganglion cells.
Conditions associated with Cherry-red spot
Cherry-red spots are associated with a number of conditions, including Tay-Sachs disease, Niemann-Pick disease, and Sandhoff disease. These are all types of lysosomal storage diseases, in which harmful quantities of fats or other substances build up in cells.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a cherry-red spot is typically made through a retinal examination using an ophthalmoscope. The presence of a cherry-red spot can be a key diagnostic feature for certain diseases.
Treatment
Treatment for a cherry-red spot is focused on managing the underlying condition causing it. This may involve medications, enzyme replacement therapy, or other treatments depending on the specific disease.
See also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cherry-red spot
- Wikipedia's article - Cherry-red spot
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