Diabetic retinopathy mnemonic

Fundus findings in diabetic retinopathy

The mnemonic

MHENN

What each word stands for

  • MMicroaneurysms
  • HHaemorrhages (dot and blot)
  • EExudates (hard)
  • NNeovascularisation of disc or elsewhere
  • NMacular oedema (swelling)

Why it matters clinically

Lets you build a grading from non-proliferative to proliferative disease.

Where it stops being reliable

Does not give the formal ETDRS or international severity scale.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Diabetic retinopathy mnemonic?

MHENN. It helps you recall: Fundus findings in diabetic retinopathy.

What does "M" stand for?

Microaneurysms

What does "H" stand for?

Haemorrhages (dot and blot)

What does "E" stand for?

Exudates (hard)

What are all the parts of the MHENN mnemonic?

M: Microaneurysms; H: Haemorrhages (dot and blot); E: Exudates (hard); N: Neovascularisation of disc or elsewhere; N: Macular oedema (swelling).

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Diabetic retinopathy in Ophthalmology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Does not give the formal ETDRS or international severity scale.

How is this useful clinically?

Lets you build a grading from non-proliferative to proliferative disease.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Ophthalmology question about Diabetic retinopathy.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.