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Bitot's spots

AI overview

Bitot's spots are the buildup of keratin located superficially in the conjunctiva of human's eyes.

Key points
  • They can be oval, triangular or irregular in shape.
    source quote
    They can be oval, triangular or irregular in shape.
  • The spots are a sign of vitamin A deficiency and associated with drying of the cornea.
    source quote
    The spots are a sign of vitamin A deficiency and associated with drying of the cornea .
  • They were first described in 1863 by French physician Pierre Bitot.
    source quote
    In 1863, the French physician Pierre Bitot (1822–1888) first described these spots.
  • A major cause is vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
    source quote
    A major cause of Bitot's spots is vitamin A deficiency (VAD).
  • Rarely, pellagra due to vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency may also cause Bitot's spots.
    source quote
    Rarely, pellagra due to deficiency of vitamin B 3 (niacin) may also cause Bitot's spots.
  • Colestyramine, a bile acid sequestrant, can also cause them by reducing absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.
    source quote
    They can also be caused by Colestyramine, which is a bile acid sequestrant which can reduce the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, K)
  • In ancient Egypt, this condition was treated with animal liver, where vitamin A is stored.
    source quote
    In ancient Egypt , this was treated with animal liver, which is where vitamin A is stored.
Symptoms
  • Associated with drying of the cornea.
    source quote
    associated with drying of the cornea
Treatment
  • VAD is commonly treated with oral vitamin A supplements.
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    VAD is commonly treated with oral vitamin A supplements.
  • Improvement is seen with high-dose vitamin A therapy.
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    Improvement of Bitot's spots is seen with high-dose vitamin A therapy.
  • Spots non-responsive to vitamin A therapy may be removed surgically.
    source quote
    Bitot's spots non-responsive to vitamin A therapy may be removed surgically.
  • The spots may abate under replacement therapy.
    source quote
    The spots may abate under replacement therapy.
  • In ancient Egypt, treated with animal liver.
    source quote
    In ancient Egypt , this was treated with animal liver, which is where vitamin A is stored.
Prognosis

The spots may abate under replacement therapy.

AI-synthesized from the Wikipedia article “Bitot's spots”. Not medical advice. Verify source →
Bitot's spots
Other namesICD10 = E50.1
Bitot's spot
Typical location of Bitot's spots
SpecialtyOphthalmology 

Bitot's spots are the buildup of keratin located superficially in the conjunctiva of human's eyes. They can be oval, triangular or irregular in shape. The spots are a sign of vitamin A deficiency and associated with drying of the cornea. In 1863, the French physician Pierre Bitot (1822–1888) first described these spots.[1] The spots may abate under replacement therapy.[2] In ancient Egypt, this was treated with animal liver, which is where vitamin A is stored.[3]

A major cause of Bitot's spots is vitamin A deficiency (VAD).[4] Rarely, pellagra due to deficiency of vitamin B3 (niacin) may also cause Bitot's spots.[5] They can also be caused by Colestyramine, which is a bile acid sequestrant which can reduce the absorption of fat soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, K)[citation needed]

VAD is commonly treated with oral vitamin A supplements.[6] Improvement of Bitot's spots is seen with high-dose vitamin A therapy.[7] Bitot's spots non-responsive to vitamin A therapy may be removed surgically.[8]

  1. ↑ Shukla, M; Behari, K (Jul 1979). "Congenital Bitot spots". Indian Journal of Ophthalmology. 27 (2): 63–4. PMID 541036.
  2. ↑ Ram, Jagat; Jinagal, Jitender (2018). "Bitot's Spots". New England Journal of Medicine. 379 (9): 869. doi:10.1056/NEJMicm1715354. PMID 30157394. S2CID 52126826.
  3. ↑ Numitor, Gerd (February 2012). Bitot's Spots. Flu Press. ISBN 978-620-0-57824-2.
  4. ↑ Gilbert, Clare (2013). "The eye signs of vitamin A deficiency". Community Eye Health. 26 (84): 66–67. ISSN 0953-6833. PMC 3936686. PMID 24782581.
  5. ↑ Levine, Robert A.; Rabb, Maurice F. (1 November 1971). "Bitot's Spot Overlying a Pinguecula". Archives of Ophthalmology. 86 (5): 525–528. doi:10.1001/archopht.1971.01000010527007. PMID 5315641.
  6. ↑ "Vitamin A Deficiency Treatment & Management: Medical Care, Consultations, Diet". 9 November 2019.
  7. ↑ "Management of Bitot's Spots". American Academy of Ophthalmology. 1 December 2016.
  8. ↑ Themes, U. F. O. (11 September 2016). "Bitot's Spots". Ento Key.