Accuracy and reliability of telemedicine for diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis

Selection of pre-trained weights for transfer learning in automated cytomegalovirus retinitis classification

Cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) is a significant cause of vision loss. Regular screening is crucial but challenging in resource-limited settings. A convolutional neural network is a state-of-the-art deep learning technique to generate automatic diagnoses from retinal images. However, there are limited numbers of CMVR images to train the model properly. Transfer learning (TL) is a strategy to train a model with a scarce dataset. This study explores the efficacy of TL with different pre-trained weights for automated CMVR classification using retinal images. We utilised a dataset of 955 retinal images (524 CMVR and 431 normal) from Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, collected between 2005 and 2015. Images were processed using Kowa VX-10i or VX-20 fundus cameras and augmented for training. We employed DenseNet121 as a backbone model, comparing the performance of TL with weights pre-trained on ImageNet, APTOS2019, and CheXNet datasets. The models were evaluated based on accuracy, loss, and other performance metrics, with the depth of fine-tuning varied across different pre-trained weights. The study found that TL significantly enhances model performance in CMVR classification. The best results were achieved with weights sequentially transferred from ImageNet to APTOS2019 dataset before application to our CMVR dataset. This approach yielded the highest mean accuracy (0.99) and lowest mean loss (0.04), outperforming other methods. The class activation heatmaps provided insights into the model's decision-making process. The model with APTOS2019 pre-trained weights offered the best explanation and highlighted the pathologic lesions resembling human interpretation. Our findings demonstrate the potential of sequential TL in improving the accuracy and efficiency of CMVR diagnosis, particularly in settings with limited data availability. They highlight the importance of domain-specific pre-training in medical image classification. This approach streamlines the diagnostic process and paves the way for broader applications in automated medical image analysis, offering a scalable solution for early disease detection.

Telemedicine in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Telemedicine is an effective means of delivering health care in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries. This systematic review explored the use of telemedicine systems for delivering health care services in SEA countries during the past 10 years. Methods: Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Medline, Global Health, and CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials). The inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) studies published between 2010 and 2021; (2) study settings located in SEA countries; (3) articles published in English; and (4) availability of a full-text version of the article. Information was extracted and evaluated for each study based on quality and risk of bias. Results: Thirty-seven of 6,554 records were eligible for inclusion. Studies included based on percentage were descriptive (29.73%), cost-effective (8.11%), randomized controlled trials (5.41%), and mixed methods (2.7%). Teleophthalmology and teleconsultation were the major reasons for using telemedicine, representing 21.62% of all studies. A hub-and-spoke and store-and-forward models were used. Free messenger applications supported communication modalities in or out of the systems. Discussion: The COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic increased research studies on telemedicine, with most studies occurring in Singaporean hospitals (49%). Descriptive studies predominated, followed by retrospective and cross-sectional studies. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated that telemedicine was a powerful tool. It is feasible, safe, effective, and less expensive than traditional methods. However, robust research is needed to fully investigate telemedicine systems in SEA countries.

Study to evaluate efficacy of midriatic-digital-images when screening retinal-complications in people living with HIV

To determine efficacy of mydriatic-digital images (MDI) when screening retinal complications in people living with HIV, in this study, a consecutive series of 79 people living with HIV (PLHIV) were evaluated. Two series of MDI were taken: - macula and optic nerve - nine gaze fields, which findings were compared with those obtained by a retina specialist. Both examiners were unaware of each other's results. Average age was 32.2 years old, predominantly male (75.9%). Most frequent complications were HIV retina microangiopathies (6.3%) and toxoplasmosis (5.1%), followed by Cytomegalovirus and neuro-retinitis, optic neuritis and vitreitis, each one with 1.3%. Sensitivity with two MDI was 92.8% (CI 95% 66.0-100.0) and with nine 100% (CI 95% 77.0-100.0) and specificity of 95.4% (CI 95% 87.0-99.0) for both series. The positive predictive value was 81.3 and 82.4%, and negative predictive value was 98.4 and 100% respectively. The strength of agreement was substantial for the two series with the retina specialist examination (Kappa index of 0.836 and 0.888 respectively). Mydriatic-digital-images appear to be an effective method to screen for HIV-related retinal-complications in a regional hospital in Perú.

Clinical Features of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in HIV Infected Patients

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical features and related laboratory indicators of cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV infected patients in order to find a suitable laboratory reference guide to aid in the early diagnosis of CMVR, which should improve the prognosis of the severe retinitis. Methods: PLHIVs who were admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to December 2016 were included. The diagnosis of AIDS follows the AIDS Treatment Guidelines. Levels of CMV IgG and IgM were measured by ELISA in order to detect the CMV infection status of the patient. CMV-DNA levels were assessed by a quantitative PCR method, and CD4⁺ T lymphocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Logistical regression was used to analyze the risk factors for CMV retinitis in HIV-infected patients. Results: There were 93 patients with HIV that were also diagnosed with CMV retinitis. After ART, the intraocular pressure, visual acuity, cotton plaque incidence, and CD4⁺ T lymphocyte count were significantly improved, and the yellow-white retinal lesions gradually disappeared. In patients with HIV infections, the CD4+ T lymphocyte count, and peripheral blood quantitative CMV-DNA levels were found to be independent risk factors for CMV retinitis (P < 0.05). Patients with HIV infection who had CMV-DNA levels >6,390 copies/mL were associated with more severe ophthalmolgic conditions related to CMV retinitis. Conclusion: Patients with HIV infections with quantitative CMV-DNA levels >6,390 copies/mL have a higher probability of having a diagnosis of CMV retinitis and a worse prognosis than those whose CMV-DNA level is <6,390 copies/mL.

Visual acuity outcomes in cytomegalovirus retinitis: early versus late diagnosis

Aims

To determine if early dilated fundus examination for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis leads to better visual outcomes in areas with limited HIV care, where patients may have long-standing retinitis before they are diagnosed with HIV.

Methods

Twenty-four eyes of 17 patients with CMV retinitis who were seen at an urban HIV clinic in Chiang Mai, Thailand, were included in this retrospective cohort study. Participants were divided into two groups based on the amount of time from the first documented CD4 count below 100 cells/mm3 to the first eye examination for CMV retinitis. Average visual acuity in each group was calculated at the time CMV retinitis was first detected, and then at 3, 6 and 12 months after diagnosis.

Results

The group of patients who received an eye examination within approximately 4 months of the initial low CD4 count measurement had better baseline visual acuity (median 20/30,IQR 20/20 to 20/60) compared with patients who presented later (median 20/80, 20/60 to hand motion); p=0.03). Visual acuity did not change significantly during the 12-month study period in either the early group (p=0.69) or late group (p=0.17).

Conclusion

In this study, patients who were examined sooner after a low CD4 count had better vision than patients who were examined later. Routine early screening of patients with CD4 counts under below 100 cells/mm3 may detect earlier disease and prevent vision loss.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis in the post-cART era

Purpose of review

To review the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in the post-combined antiretroviral era (cART) era.

Recent findings

Although cART has dramatically reduced CMVR incidence and morbidity in the HIV population, CMVR continues to cause significant vision loss in both HIV and non-HIV patients, especially amongst patients without immune reconstitution. Advances in imaging including ultra-widefield fundus and autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, and adaptive optics may reflect CMVR activity; however, the diagnosis remains a clinical one. There have been minimal advances in therapy, with several agents no longer available due to market concerns.

Summary

Despite reduced incidence and morbidity in the post-cART HIV population, CMVR continues to cause vision loss amongst HIV and non-HIV patients. Diagnosis remains primarily clinical, and therapy centers upon immune reconstitution along with systemic and/or intravitreal antivirals. Further studies are necessary to determine whether advanced imaging can influence management, and whether novel antiviral agents or adoptive immune transfer have a role in treatment of drug-resistance CMVR.

Retinal Telemedicine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

An update and overview of the literature on current telemedicine applications in retina.

RECENT FINDINGS

The application of telemedicine to the field of Ophthalmology and Retina has been growing with advancing technologies in ophthalmic imaging. Retinal telemedicine has been most commonly applied to diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity in adult and pediatric patients respectively. Telemedicine has the potential to alleviate the growing demand for clinical evaluation of retinal diseases. Subsequently, automated image analysis and deep learning systems may facilitate efficient processing of large, increasing numbers of images generated in telemedicine systems. Telemedicine may additionally improve access to education and standardized training through tele-education systems.

SUMMARY

Telemedicine has the potential to be utilized as a useful adjunct but not a complete replacement for physical clinical examinations. Retinal telemedicine programs should be carefully and appropriately integrated into current clinical systems.

Real-time teleophthalmology versus face-to-face consultation: A systematic review

Introduction Advances in imaging capabilities and the evolution of real-time teleophthalmology have the potential to provide increased coverage to areas with limited ophthalmology services. However, there is limited research assessing the diagnostic accuracy of face-to-face teleophthalmology consultation. This systematic review aims to determine if real-time teleophthalmology provides comparable accuracy to face-to-face consultation for the diagnosis of common eye health conditions. Methods A search of PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases and manual citation review was conducted on 6 February and 7 April 2016. Included studies involved real-time telemedicine in the field of ophthalmology or optometry, and assessed diagnostic accuracy against gold-standard face-to-face consultation. The revised quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2) tool assessed risk of bias. Results Twelve studies were included, with participants ranging from four to 89 years old. A broad number of conditions were assessed and include corneal and retinal pathologies, strabismus, oculoplastics and post-operative review. Quality assessment identified a high or unclear risk of bias in patient selection (75%) due to an undisclosed recruitment processes. The index test showed high risk of bias in the included studies, due to the varied interpretation and conduct of real-time teleophthalmology methods. Reference standard risk was overall low (75%), as was the risk due to flow and timing (75%). Conclusion In terms of diagnostic accuracy, real-time teleophthalmology was considered superior to face-to-face consultation in one study and comparable in six studies. Store-and-forward image transmission coupled with real-time videoconferencing is a suitable alternative to overcome poor internet transmission speeds.

Incidence Rate and Risk Factors for Contralateral Eye Involvement among Patients with AIDS and Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Treated with Local Therapy

PURPOSE

To calculate the incidence of, and to identify the risk factors for developing contralateral eye involvement among patients with AIDS and unilateral cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV retinitis), who were treated, in the era of highly-active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), with repetitive intravitreal ganciclovir injections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical records of 119 patients were included. The main outcome measurement was the occurrence of contralateral eye involvement.

RESULTS

Over a mean follow-up period of 1.6 years, the overall incidence rate of contralateral involvement was 0.17/person-year. The cumulative incidence of contralateral involvement at 6 months and 1 year was 23.8% and 28.4%, respectively. Receiving HAART at the visit before the event was associated with a decreased risk of developing contralateral retinitis (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.26, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of HAART, associated with subsequent immune recovery, significantly reduced the incidence of contralateral eye involvement by approximately 75% among patients in our setting.

Telemedicine screening for cytomegalovirus retinitis at the point of care for human immunodeficiency virus infection

IMPORTANCE

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a leading cause of blindness in many developing countries, likely the result of inadequate screening. Telemedicine screening for CMV retinitis instituted at the point of care for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may allow for earlier detection.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the diagnostic accuracy of retinal photography in detecting CMV retinitis at the point of HIV care and to characterize the clinical manifestations of CMV retinitis detected through the screening program.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

We enrolled 103 participants from a population of 258 patients with HIV and a CD4 level of less than 100/μL treated at an HIV clinic in Thailand from June 2010 through June 2012. We captured mosaic fundus photographs through a dilated pupil using a digital fundus camera. An experienced on-site ophthalmologist masked to the results of the fundus images subsequently examined each eye with indirect ophthalmoscopy and recorded the clinical findings on a standardized form. Three remote graders evaluated each image for CMV retinitis.

INTERVENTION

Fundus photography and indirect ophthalmoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Sensitivity and specificity of telemedicine relative to indirect ophthalmoscopy for diagnosis of CMV retinitis and clinical features of CMV retinitis lesions.

RESULTS

Sixteen patients (15.5%) were diagnosed as having CMV retinitis, of whom 5 (31%) had bilateral disease. Of the 21 eyes (10.2%) with CMV retinitis, 7 (33%) had visual symptoms. Retinitis lesions occupied less than 10% of the total retinal surface area in 13 of 21 eyes (62%) and did not involve the posterior pole (ie, zone 1) in 15 of 21 eyes (71%). Mean logMAR visual acuity in affected eyes was 0.41 (95% CI, 0.11-0.71; Snellen equivalent, 20/50 [95% CI, 20/25-20/100]). The mean sensitivity for the 3 remote graders in detecting CMV retinitis on fundus photography was 30.2% (95% CI, 10.5%-52.4%), and mean specificity was 99.1% (95% CI, 97.8%-100.0%). The CMV retinitis lesions missed by the remote graders (false-negative findings) were more likely to be small (P = .001) and located in the peripheral retina (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Patients undergoing screening at a clinic for HIV treatment had less extensive retinitis than patients in recent reports from an ophthalmology clinic. Retinal photography with the camera used in this study was not highly sensitive in detecting CMV retinitis but may identify disease with an immediate threat to vision. Improved accuracy will require a camera that can more easily image the peripheral retina.

Telemedicine diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis by nonophthalmologists

IMPORTANCE

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis continues to be a leading cause of blindness in many developing countries. Telemedicine holds the potential to increase the number of people screened for CMV retinitis, but it is unclear whether nonophthalmologists could be responsible for interpreting fundus photographs captured in a telemedicine program.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the accuracy of nonophthalmologist photographic graders in diagnosing CMV retinitis from digital fundus photographs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Fifteen nonexpert graders each evaluated 182 mosaic retinal images taken from the eyes of patients with AIDS who were evaluated at the Ocular Infectious Diseases Clinic at Chiang Mai University in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Graders diagnosed each image as CMV retinitis present, CMV retinitis absent, or unknown. The results from each grader were compared with those of an indirect ophthalmoscopic examination from an experienced on-site ophthalmologist as well as with the consensus grade given by a panel of CMV retinitis experts.

RESULTS

Relative to the on-site ophthalmologist, the sensitivity of remote CMV retinitis diagnosis by nonexpert graders ranged from 64.0% to 95.5% (mean, 84.1%; 95% CI, 78.6%-89.6%)), and the specificity ranged from 65.6% to 92.5% (mean, 82.3%; 95% CI, 76.6%-88.0%)). Agreement between nonexpert and expert graders was high: the mean sensitivity and specificity values of nonexpert diagnosis using expert consensus as the reference standard were 93.2% (95% CI, 90.6%-95.8%) and 88.4% (95% CI, 85.4%-91.1%), respectively. Mean intrarater reliability also was high (mean Cohen κ, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.78-0.87).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The sensitivity and specificity of remote diagnosis of CMV retinitis by nonexpert graders was variable, although several nonexperts achieved a level of accuracy comparable to that of CMV retinitis experts. More intensive training and periodic evaluations would be required if nonexperts are to be used in clinical practice.

Retinal detachment associated with AIDS-related cytomegalovirus retinitis: risk factors in a resource-limited setting

PURPOSE

To determine risk factors predictive of retinal detachment in patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in a setting with limited access to ophthalmic care.

DESIGN

Case-control study.

METHODS

Sixty-four patients with CMV retinitis and retinal detachment were identified from the Ocular Infectious Diseases and Retina Clinics at Chiang Mai University. Three control patients with CMV retinitis but no retinal detachment were selected for each case, matched by calendar date. The medical records of each patient were reviewed, with patient-level and eye-level features recorded for the clinic visit used to match cases and controls, and also for the initial clinic visit at which CMV retinitis was diagnosed. Risk factors for retinal detachment were assessed separately for each of these time points using multivariate conditional logistic regression models that included 1 eye from each patient.

RESULTS

Patients with a retinal detachment were more likely than controls to have low visual acuity (odds ratio [OR], 1.24 per line of worse vision on the logMAR scale; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-1.33) and bilateral disease (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 0.92-4.90). Features present at the time of the initial diagnosis of CMV retinitis that predicted subsequent retinal detachment included bilateral disease (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.18-6.08) and lesion size (OR, 2.64 per 10% increase in lesion size; 95% CI, 1.41-4.94).

CONCLUSION

Bilateral CMV retinitis and larger lesion sizes, each of which is a marker of advanced disease, were associated with subsequent retinal detachment. Earlier detection and treatment may reduce the likelihood that patients with CMV retinitis develop a retinal detachment.

Narrative review of telemedicine consultation in medical practice

BACKGROUND

The use of telemedicine has grown across several medical fields, due to the increasing number of "e-patients".

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review gives an overview of the growing use of telemedicine in different medical specialties, showing how its use can improve medical care.

METHODS

A PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus search was performed using the following keywords: telemedicine, teleconsultation, telehealth, e-health, and e-medicine. Selected papers from 1996 to 2014 were chosen on the basis of their content (quality and novelty).

RESULTS

Telemedicine has already been applied to different areas of medical practice, and it is as effective as face-to-face medical care, at least for the diagnosis and treatment of some pathological conditions.

CONCLUSION

Telemedicine is time- and cost-effective for both patients and health care professionals, encouraging its use on a larger scale. Telemedicine provides specialist medical care to patients who have poor access to hospitals, and ensures continuity of care and optimal use of available health resources. The use of telemedicine opens new perspectives for patients seeking a medical second opinion for their pathology, since they can have remote access to medical resources that would otherwise require enormous costs and time.

Prevalence and predictors of cytomegalovirus retinitis in HIV-infected patients with low CD4 lymphocyte counts in Vietnam

We describe the results of a study to determine the prevalence and characteristics of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis among HIV-infected patients in Vietnam. We conducted a cross-sectional prospective study of patients with CD4 lymphocyte count ≤100 cells/mm(3)recruited from public HIV clinics. The diagnosis was made by a trained ophthalmologist using slit lamp biomicroscopy and corroborated on fundus photography. A total of 201 patients were screened. The median age was 32 years, 77% were men, median CD4 count was 47 cells/mm(3), and 62% were on antiretroviral treatment. Prevalence of CMV retinitis was 7% (14/201, 95% CI 4-11%). CMV retinitis was not associated with age, gender, injection drug use, CD4 count, WHO clinical stage, or antiretroviral treatment status. Blurring of vision and reduced visual acuity <20/40 were associated with CMV retinitis, but only 29% of patients with the diagnosis reported blurry vision and only 64% had abnormal vision. On multivariate analysis, the sole predictor for CMV retinitis was decreased visual acuity (OR 22.8,p < 0.001). In Ho Chi Minh City, CMV retinitis was found in 7% of HIV-infected patients with low CD4. HIV-infected patients with a CD4 count <100/mm(3)or who develop blurring of vision in Vietnam should be screened for CMV retinitis.

The use of retinal photography in nonophthalmic settings and its potential for neurology

BACKGROUND

Ocular fundus examination is an important element of the neurological examination. However, direct ophthalmoscopy is difficult to perform without pupillary dilation and requires extensive practice to accurately recognize optic nerve and retinal abnormalities. Recent studies have suggested that digital retinal photography can replace direct ophthalmoscopy in many settings.

REVIEW SUMMARY

Ocular fundus imaging is routinely used to document and monitor disease progression in ophthalmology. Advances in optical technology have made it easier to obtain high-quality retinal imaging, even without pupillary dilation. Retinal photography has a high sensitivity, specificity, and interexamination/intraexamination agreement compared with in-person ophthalmologist examination, suggesting that photographs can be used in lieu of ophthalmoscopy in many clinical situations. Nonmydriatic retinal photography has recently gained relevance as a helpful tool for diagnosing neuro-ophthalmologic disorders in the emergency department. In addition, several population-based studies have used retinal imaging to relate ophthalmic abnormalities to the risk of hypertension, renal dysfunction, cardiovascular mortality, subclinical and clinical stroke, and cognitive impairment. The possibility of telemedical consultation offered by digital retinal photography has already increased access to timely and accurate subspecialty care, particularly for underserved areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Retinal photography (even without pupillary dilation) has become increasingly available to medical fields outside of ophthalmology, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis of various ocular, neurological, and systemic disorders. The potential for telemedicine may provide the additional benefits of improving access to appropriate urgent consultation in both clinical and research settings.

Non-mydriatic ocular fundus photography and telemedicine: past, present, and future

Non-mydriatic ocular fundus photography is a promising alternative to direct ophthalmoscopy, particularly when combined with telemedicine. This review discusses these technologies from a longitudinal perspective: past, present, and future. The focus is directed to the role that non-mydriatic fundus photography and telemedicine have played in medical research and patient care, with emphasis on the major advances to date. Also discussed are the challenges to their widespread application and their substantial promise for revitalizing the importance of the ocular fundus examination in patient care, providing improved access to ophthalmic consultative services, and facilitating clinical and epidemiologic research.

Clinical features of newly diagnosed cytomegalovirus retinitis in northern Thailand

PURPOSE

To characterize the clinical manifestations of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in northern Thailand.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We recorded characteristics of 52 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with CMV retinitis at a tertiary university-based medical center in northern Thailand. Indirect ophthalmoscopy by experienced ophthalmologists was supplemented with fundus photography to determine the proportion of eyes with various clinical features of CMV retinitis.

RESULTS

Of the 52 patients with CMV retinitis, 55.8% were female. All were HIV-positive. The vast majority (90.4%) had started antiretroviral therapy. CMV retinitis was bilateral in 46.2% of patients. Bilateral visual acuity worse than 20/60 was observed in 23.1% of patients. Of 76 eyes with CMV retinitis, 61.8% had zone I disease and 21.6% had lesions involving the fovea. Lesions larger than 25% of the retinal area were observed in 57.5% of affected eyes. CMV retinitis lesions commonly had marked or severe border opacity (47.4% of eyes). Vitreous haze often was present (46.1% of eyes). Visual impairment was more common in eyes with larger retinitis lesions. Retinitis lesion size, used as a proxy for duration of disease, was associated with fulminant appearance (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.01 to 1.51) and marked or severe border opacity (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% confidence interval, 1.11 to 1.67). Based on lesion size, retinitis preceded antiretroviral treatment in each patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients seeking treatment at a tertiary medical center in northern Thailand had advanced CMV retinitis, possibly because of delayed diagnosis. Earlier screening and treatment of CMV retinitis may limit progression of disease and may prevent visual impairment in this population.

Comparison of autophotomontage software programs in eyes with CMV retinitis

PURPOSE

Automated mosaic software programs are used to stitch together overlapping retinal fundus photographs. The performance of these programs in eyes with retinal diseases has not been independently evaluated. This study compares the quality of the mosaic products of three autophotomontage software programs, using digital fundus photographs of eyes with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

METHODS

Photographs of 99 eyes with CMV retinitis of 94 patients with HIV were taken at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Automated mosaic images were created for each of the 99 eyes by three different commercially available programs: IMAGEnet (Topcon, Oakland, NJ), i2k Retina (DualAlign LLC, Clifton Park, NY), and AutoMontage (OIS, Sacramento, CA). Three masked graders ranked each set of mosaics for each eye. The graders also assessed the overall image quality and documented mosaic artifacts in each image.

RESULTS

i2k Retina was ranked as the best program (70%-88%) more often than AutoMontage (10%-33%, P < 0.001) or IMAGEnet (0%-4%, P < 0.001) for creating automontages from digital fundus photographs of eyes with CMV retinitis. Acceptable quality mosaic images were reported most commonly for i2k Retina (93%-94%) and AutoMontage (91%-95%), followed by IMAGEnet (27%-56%, P < 0.001). IMAGEnet had a significantly higher percentage of mosaic errors than did either i2k Retina or AutoMontage (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In eyes with CMV retinitis, both the i2k Retina and AutoMontage software packages appear to create higher quality mosaics than does IMAGEnet. Automated retinal mosaic imaging may be valuable in diagnosing CMV retinitis and observing disease progression.