Conjunctival suffusion (original) (raw)

Conjunctival suffusion is an eye finding occurring early in leptospirosis, which is caused by Leptospira interrogans. Conjunctival suffusion is characterized by redness of the conjunctiva that resembles conjunctivitis, but it does not involve inflammatory exudates. Swelling of the conjunctiva (chemosis) is seen along the corners of the eye (palpebral fissures). Conjunctival suffusion may also occur in patients with a Hantavirus infection. In a 1994 study of 17 patients with Hantavirus infections, 3 had conjunctival suffusion.