Cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Issue 888 (1st October 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eong, K G Au; Beatty, S; Charles, S J
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 75:Issue 888(1999)
• Page Start: 585
• Page End: 590
• Publication Date: 1999-10-01
• Subjects: AIDS -- cytomegalovirus retinopathy -- ocular infection; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.75.888.585
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract : Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most common intra-ocular infection in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), and a leading cause of AIDS-related morbidity. Untreated CMV retinitis in AIDS patients is a progressive and potentially blinding disorder. The diagnosis of CMV retinitis is a clinical one and it is important for physicians to be familiar with the clinical features of the disease. Ophthalmic screening of AIDS sufferers should be undertaken at regular intervals, and this is dictated, in part, by the patient's CD4+ T-lymphocyte (CD4) counts. CMV retinitis may be treated with systemic ganciclovir, foscarnet or cidofovir, or with local (intravitreal) therapy. CMV-related retinal detachment is treated surgically. In some patients with quiescent CMV retinitis receiving highly active anti-retroviral therapy, anti-CMV maintenance therapy may be discontinued in favour of close ophthalmologic observation and CD4 count monitoring.