Scleral icterus

Scleral icterus is a medical condition characterized by the yellowing of the sclera, the white part of the eye. This condition is often a sign of jaundice, a symptom of various underlying conditions that affect the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts.

Causes

Scleral icterus is typically caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood, a condition known as hyperbilirubinemia. This can occur due to a variety of conditions, including:

• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Gallstones
• Pancreatic cancer
• Hemolytic anemia
• Sickle cell disease
• Gilbert's syndrome

Symptoms

The primary symptom of scleral icterus is the yellowing of the sclera. However, depending on the underlying cause, other symptoms may also be present, such as:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Dark urine
• Pale stools

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of scleral icterus typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests may be required to determine the underlying cause, such as:

• Blood tests
• Liver function tests
• Imaging tests
• Biopsy

Treatment

Treatment for scleral icterus focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve medication, surgery, or other treatments depending on the specific condition.

See also

• Jaundice
• Bilirubin
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis

Scleral icterus Resources
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