Hypertensive retinopathy has been classified by Keith, Wagener & Barker and Scheie (hypertensive and arteriosclerotic features). With this mnemonic, we will have a grading with combination of all these classifications.
Mnemonic: SAFEs
I – Slight Systemic (generalized) narrowing of arterioles
II – AV deflection (at Angle) and focal narrowing of arteriorles
- Angled deflection of vein at AV crossing: Salu’s sign
III – Flame hemorrhages, Flame color arterioles and Frank AV crossing changes
- Frank AV crossing changes:
- Bonnet sign: Banking of veins at AV crossing
- Marcus-gunn sign: Tapering of veins at AV crossing
- Flame color arterioles: Copper wiring
- Flame shaped hemorrhages, Cotton wool exudates and hard exudates
Mnemonic for Eponymous AV crossing changes:
Salu’s sign: “S” like venous deflection at AV crossing
Bonnet sign: “B” for Banking of vein distal to AV crossing
Gunn sign:
IV – Edema and Exudates surrounding macula + silver wiring
- Edema: Papilledema
- Exudates surrounding macula: Macular star
