GOOD SYNDROME: CYTOMEGALOVIRUS RETINITIS CASE CHALLENGE

PURPOSE

To describe cytomegalovirus retinitis in a patient with Good syndrome (hypogammaglobulinemia and thymoma), ocular progression despite treatment and fatal outcome.

METHODS

A 71-year-old woman with unilateral panuveitis of unknown cause and a history of thymoma resection was referred to the clinic. Visual acuity was 20/100 in her right eye and light perception in her left eye. In slit-lamp examination, the right eye had inferior, fine, pigmented keratic precipitates, 2+ anterior chamber cells, cataract, and 2+ vitreous cells, with no fundus detail and normal ocular ultrasound results. Left eye presented a white cataract, chronic hypotony, and increased choroidal thickness with calcifications. Laboratory evaluations showed normal or negative results for common causes of infection and inflammation. Prednisolone acetate eye drops were started, with improvement of AC inflammation. Cataract surgery was performed, reaching visual acuity of 20/30. Two years later, visual acuity had decreased and 2+ vitritis and retinitis were found. On clinical suspicion of masquerade syndrome, a vitrectomy biopsy was performed; pathologic assessments reported no data on ocular lymphoma. Leukopenia and lymphopenia were found: immunoglobulin levels, CD4 count, and viral load revealed systemic immunosuppression. The aqueous tap was positive for cytomegalovirus. Oral valganciclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir were initiated.

RESULTS

In a patient with previous resection of thymoma and hypogammaglobulinemia, final diagnosis was Good syndrome, with cytomegalovirus retinitis being secondary to immunosuppression. Despite treatment, cytomegalovirus retinitis progressed and systemic deterioration resulted in mortal outcome.

CONCLUSION

Good syndrome is an extremely rare disease, and association with cytomegalovirus retinitis is uncommon. To the authors' knowledge, only 14 cases exist in the literature.

A Case of Good Visual Outcome following Retinal Ganciclovir Toxicity

We present a case of CMV retinitis with retinal toxicity secondary to inadvertent overdose of intravitreal ganciclovir. To our knowledge, this is the first case published with good visual outcome from timely intervention.

Comparison of two different intravitreal treatment regimens combined with systemic antiviral therapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis in patients with AIDS

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and injection frequency of intravitreal low-dose vs. intermediate-dose ganciclovir therapy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients exhibiting cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR).

METHODS

A prospective, single-centre, double-blinded, randomized controlled interventional study was conducted. Fifty patients with a total of 67 included eyes were randomly divided into low-dose (0.4 mg ganciclovir per week) and intermediate-dose (1.0 mg ganciclovir per week) groups. The primary clinical outcomes were the changes in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) from baseline to the end of treatment and the 12-month follow-up visit as well as the number of intravitreal injections.

RESULTS

In both groups, the median BCVA, expressed as the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR), improved significantly from baseline to the end of treatment (both p < 0.001), while vision loss from CMVR continued to occur at the 12-month visit. The mean number of injections was 5.8 in the low-dose group and 5.4 in the intermediate-dose group. No significant differences were detected between the two groups (p > 0.05). Regarding the location of CMVR, we found that Zone I lesions led to a worse visual outcome, more injections and a higher occurrence rate of complications than lesions in other zones (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy and frequency of injections to treat CMVR in AIDS patients were not significantly different between low and intermediate doses. Zone I lesions were associated with a worse visual outcome, more injections and a higher occurrence rate of CMVR-related complications than lesions in other zones.

Human immunodeficiency virus retinopathy with presumed cytomegalovirus retinitis with macular oedema in a diabetic

A man in his early 50s on regular follow-up for a stable non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) presented with decreased vision, worsening of retinal pathology and macular oedema in both eyes. His corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 6/9 in the right eye and 6/15 in the left eye and fundus examination showed multiple intraretinal haemorrhages in all quadrants. His systemic workup revealed a severe thrombocytopaenia, which prompted a further detailed systemic evaluation revealing him to be positive for HIV with retinopathy complicating the pre-existing NPDR. Given the significant inflammation and macular oedema, a cocktail of intravitreal bevacizumab, ganciclovir and dexamethasone was administered. The retinopathy and macular oedema resolved and the CDVA improved to 6/6 in both eyes over a 6-month follow-up period. Any sudden worsening of fundus findings in a patient with diabetes necessitates immediate and detailed ocular and systemic evaluation, especially when the immune status is unknown.

Pre-Transplant Platelet Refractoriness and Alternative Donors Are Associated With Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Severe Aplastic Anemia

Background

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is a severe, vision-threatening opportunistic infection in an immunodeficient population. Reports on cytomegalovirus retinitis in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients due to severe aplastic anemia have been scant. This study assessed the risk of cytomegalovirus retinitis in relation to the pre-transplant status of severe aplastic anemia patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective nested case-control study of cytomegalovirus retinitis among severe aplastic anemia patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants in a tertiary care institution that attends severe aplastic anemia patients from southern China from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2018. Each cytomegalovirus retinitis case was matched with four controls without cytomegalovirus retinitis by age and gender. Thirteen pre-transplant parameters were chosen to compare the risk factor levels between the cases and controls. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 361 severe aplastic anemia patients received hematopoietic stem cell transplants in the study period 2013–2018 in our medical institution, and 31 (8.58%) developed cytomegalovirus retinitis. Cytomegalovirus retinitis was diagnosed in the median of 148 days after transplantation. We confirmed platelet refractoriness more frequently in cases than in controls (p = 0.0005). Compared with human leukocyte antigen-matched sibling donors, alternative donors were significantly more prone to cytomegalovirus retinitis (p = 0.0009). After stepwise selection in multivariate logistic regression, platelet refractoriness (OR 5.41, 95% CI 1.98–15.39), haploidentical donor (OR 7.46, 95% CI 2.19–34.87), and unrelated donor (OR 8.38, 95% CI 2.30–41.34) were associated with an increased risk of cytomegalovirus retinitis.

Conclusions

Pre-transplant platelet refractoriness and alternative donors were significant predictors of cytomegalovirus retinitis in severe aplastic anemia recipients. These results highlight the importance of accounting for existing risks while developing prevention strategies and preemptive treatment for severe aplastic anemia recipients. We recommend that the platelet count be closely monitored and thrombopoietin be properly applied during the period when cytomegalovirus retinitis is prone to occur.

NEOVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS FROM CYTOMEGALOVIRUS NECROTIZING RETINOPATHY IN PATIENTS AFTER HAPLOIDENTICAL HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION

PURPOSE

To report the incidence and clinical features of neovascular complications from cytomegalovirus (CMV) necrotizing retinopathy in patients after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients (58 eyes) of CMV necrotizing retinopathy after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in our institute between January 2018 and June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed, and cases that developed neovascular complications during follow-up were identified and described.

RESULTS

Two (2 eyes) cases that developed neovascular glaucoma from CMV necrotizing retinopathy were identified. Both of them manifested as granular peripheral retinitis, panretinal occlusive vasculitis, and some degree of intraocular inflammation, which were consistent with chronic retinal necrosis. Insidious progression of isolated immune-mediated occlusive vasculitis that could only be observed on fundus fluorescein angiography without active retinitis or intraocular inflammation was recognized to be the cause in one of two cases.

CONCLUSION

Neovascular glaucoma developed in 5.1%/cases and 3.4%/eyes complicated by CMV chronic retinal necrosis and vasculitis in patients after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which warrants the needs for long-term follow-up. Immune-mediated CMV vasculitis could be an isolated manifestation in patients with a minimal immune deviation and may only be found on fundus fluorescein angiography, which emphasizes the importance of fundus fluorescein angiography on a regular basis during follow-up.

Effect of Anti-CMV Therapy at Different Stages on Retinal Detachment in Patients with AIDS and CMVR

INTRODUCTION

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of anti-cytomegalovirus (anti-CMV) therapy at different stages on retinal detachment in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR).

METHODS

Ninety-seven patients with AIDS and CMVR diagnosed and treated at the Ophthalmology and Infection Center of Beijing You'an Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, from November 2017 to January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 138 eyes included, 30 eyes with concomitant retinal detachment were enrolled as the study subjects. The eyes with retinal detachment were divided into a pre-induction group, an intra-induction group, and a post-induction group of anti-CMV therapy. The occurrence and characteristics of retinal detachment at different stages of anti-CMV therapy were observed.

RESULTS

Retinal detachment occurred in 30 of the 138 eyes of 97 patients, with an incidence of retinal detachment of 21.74%. Retinal detachment occurred in eight eyes in the pre-induction group, with an incidence of 26.67%, and in four eyes in the intra-induction group, with an incidence of 13.33%. The difference in incidence between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.000). Retinal detachment occurred in 18 eyes in the post-induction group, with an incidence of 60%. The difference in incidence between the intra-induction group and the post-induction group was statistically significant (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of retinal detachment at the intra-induction stages of anti-CMV therapy was lower than that at the pre-induction stage, and retinal detachment during the anti-CMV therapy predominantly occurred after the end of the induction stage.

Surgical outcomes and prognostic factors following vitrectomy in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis-related retinal detachment

To determine the surgical outcomes and prognostic factors of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis-related retinal detachment (RD) in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients following vitrectomy.A retrospective charts review was carried out on AIDS patients who were diagnosed with CMV retinitis-related RD and treated with vitrectomy between 2002 and 2016. The main outcome measures were the rates of primary anatomical success and final visual acuity (VA) success defined as postoperative VA ≥20/200. Kaplan-Meier curves on the time to retinal redetachment were performed. Multivariate logistic regression models based on a directed acyclic graph were used to identify independent factors associated with achieving VA success.Forty five AIDS patients (52 eyes) were included. Over a mean follow-up period of 41.7 months, primary anatomical success was achieved in 44 eyes (84.6%) and VA success was achieved in 34 eyes (65.4%). Receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) prior to RD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=4.9, P = .043), better preoperative VA (aOR = 4.3, P = .006), undergoing vitrectomy within 3 months (aOR=6.7, P = .008), absence of optic atrophy (aOR=58.1, P < .001), and absence of retinal redetachment (aOR=38.1, P = .007) increased the odds of achieving final VA success.Vitrectomy provided favorable anatomical reattachment in AIDS patients with CMV retinitis-related RD. Majority of patients was able to retain functional vision postoperatively. The use of HAART and early vitrectomy increased the probability of achieving both anatomical and VA success.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis in a patient with secondary acute lymphosarcoma leukemia undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation: A rare case report: a care-compliant article

RATIONALE

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a common opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients, which may lead to blindness. CMV retinitis is not an uncommon infectious disease in patients with immune regulatory abnormalities, for example, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. However, CMV retinitis in a patient with acute lymphosarcoma leukemia (ALL) undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) phase is very rare.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A case of CMV retinitis in a patient receiving immunosuppressive therapy as a part of ALL allogeneic HSCT is described including the pathogenesis, clinical signs, and therapy.

DIAGNOSES

CMV retinitis.

INTERVENTIONS

Ganciclovir intravitreal injection at weekly intervals for 4 weeks.

OUTCOMES

Patient's vision had improved and the load of CMV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the aqueous humor declined. The CMV retinitis and perivascular of retina infiltration regressed.

LESSONS

We propose that the concentration of CMV DNA load in the aqueous humor could be useful in making the diagnosis and in selecting the optimal treatment in this kind of CMV retinitis.

Multiple opportunistic AIDS-associated disorders strictly related to immunodeficiency levels, in a girl with congenital HIV infection

A 16-year-old girl with vertical HIV disease treated since birth suffered from six different AIDS-defining disorders until now. Even during the highly active antiretroviral therapy, multiple AIDS-related opportunistic infections may complicate the course of long-term congenital HIV disease, showing a strict relationship with immunological deterioration, which occurs shortly after virologic failure, due to an extensive genotypic resistance to all available antiretroviral compounds.

Routine Eye Screening by an Ophthalmologist Is Clinically Useful for HIV-1-Infected Patients with CD4 Count Less than 200 /μL

Objective

To investigate whether routine eye screening by an ophthalmologist in patients with HIV-1 infection is clinically useful.

Methods

A single-center, retrospective study in Tokyo, Japan. HIV-1-infected patients aged over 17 years who visited our clinic for the first time between January 2004 and December 2013 and underwent full ophthalmologic examination were enrolled. At our clinic, ophthalmologic examination, including dilated retinal examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy was routinely conducted by ophthalmologists on the first visit. The prevalence of ophthalmologic diseases and associated factors including the existence of ocular symptoms were analyzed.

Results

Of the 1,515 study patients, cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMV-R) was diagnosed in 24 (2%) patients, HIV retinopathy (HIV-R) in 127 (8%), cataract in 31 (2%), ocular syphilis in 4 (0.3%), and uveitis with unknown cause in 8 (0.5%). Other ocular diseases were diagnosed in 14 patients. The CD4 count was <200 /μL in all CMV-R cases and 87% of HIV-R. The prevalence of any ocular diseases, CMV-R, and HIV-R in patients with CD4 <200 /μL were 22%, 3%, and 15%, respectively, whereas for those with CD4 ≥200 /μL were 5%, 0%, and 2%, respectively. No ocular symptoms were reported by 71% of CMV-R cases and 82% of patients with any ocular diseases.

Conclusions

Routine ophthalmologic screening is recommended for HIV-1-infected patients with CD4 <200 /μL in resource-rich settings based on the high prevalence of ocular diseases within this CD4 count category and because most patients with ocular diseases, including those with CMV-R, were free of ocular symptoms.

[Ophthalmic manifestations in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with cryptococcal meningitis]

OBJECTIVE

Analysis ophthalmic manifestations in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with cryptococcal meningitis.

METHODS

Retrospective study. Forty AIDS patients (including 32 men and 8 women) with cryptococcal meningitis were studied. The age of the patients varied from 11 to 67 years, average on (38 ± 12) years (mean ± standard deviation). All the patients underwent detailed ocular examinations including corrected visual acuity, eye movement, intraocular pressure, slit lamp microscope, indirect ophthalmoscope and color fundus photography. The CD4(+) T cell count was evaluated and Lumbar puncture was done to examine the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Eighteen patients were followed up for a period between 2 weeks to 4 years. Four patients died during hospitalization. The remaining 18 patients failed to be followed up due to moving away.

RESULTS

Binocular diplopia were present in 3 patients. It showed Binocular or monocular abducens nerve palsy. Papilledema were found in 37 eyes of 19 cases. One person had unilateral papilledema. Among 19 cases, 24 eyes of 12 cases were accompanied with peripapillary hemorrhages and 7 cases of 13 eyes without peripapillary hemorrhages. Optic atrophy occurs in 6 cases of 12 eyes and multifocal choroiditis in 2 cases of 4 eyes. Twenty-seven eyes of 14 patients had normal fundus or cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) only.

CONCLUSIONS

AIDS patients with cryptococcal meningitis merger may be accompanied by a variety of eye complications. Papilledema are the most common manifestations.

The Safety of Discontinuation of Maintenance Therapy for Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis and Incidence of Immune Recovery Uveitis Following Potent Antiretroviral Therapy

BACKGROUND

Reconstitution of immune function during potent antiretroviral therapy can prompt discontinuation of maintenance cytomegalovirus (CMV) therapy but has also been associated with sight-threatening inflammatory conditions including immune recovery uveitis (IRU).

METHOD

Patients with inactive CMV retinitis and a CD4+ cell count above 100/mm3, receiving CMV therapy and stable combination antiretroviral therapy, were assigned to one of two groups based on willingness to discontinue CMV therapy.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight participants were enrolled: 28 discontinued anti-CMV therapy (Group 1) and 10 continued CMV treatment (Group 2). Median on-study follow-up was 16 months. One Group 1 participant who experienced an increase in plasma HIV viral load and a decline in CD4+ cell count developed confirmed progression of CMV retinitis. Progression or reactivation CMV retinitis was not observed among Group 2. IRU was present at study entry in 3 participants. Six participants in Group 1 and 3 participants in Group 2 developed IRU on-study. CMV viremia was not detected in any participants, and urinary shedding of CMV was intermittent.

CONCLUSION

Recurrence of CMV retinitis following discontinuation of anti-CMV therapy among patients with antiretroviral-induced increases in CD4+ cell count was rare. However, IRU was common in both those who maintained and discontinued anti-CMV therapy.

[Clinical characteristic and treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis in 80 patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical characteristics of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients.

METHODS

Retrospective case-series study. The clinical and laboratory data of 80 AIDS patients (118 eyes) with findings of CMVR were collected from Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center from December 2006 to December 2011. The relationship between CMVR and cellular immunity, the high risk factor, clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of CMVR were analyzed in this study. χ(2) test was used to check the incidence of CMVR in different CD4(+) T lymphocyte count groups.

RESULTS

There was 80 AIDS patients (118 eyes) totally, 71 males and 9 females. Their age was from 18 to 60 years old, which mean value was (38 ± 10) years old. The incidence in the group of CD4(+) T lymphocyte count over 100 cells/µl was lower than the two groups of CD4(+) T lymphocyte count less than 100 cells/µl (χ(2) = 15.567, 32.469; P = 0.00,0.00). CD4(+) T lymphocyte count was always ranged from 0 to 141 cells/µl in CMVR patients. It was less than 50 cells/µl in 81.3% cases. In 10.0% AIDS patients, CMVR was the first manifestation. In 25% AIDS patients(26 eyes), lesions in retina was found by routine eye examination. In 54.2% patients, the best corrected visual acuity was less than 0.3. Retinal necrosis was involvement near the posterior pole in 62.5% CMVR patients. The visual acuity of 51 eyes was improved after treatment within 94.1% cases which were treated within 3 months. However, BCVA of 35 eyes decreased or with less change within 42.9% cases which were treated after symptoms appeared 3 months. The anti-CMV treatment included induction and maintenance of ganciclovir or foscarnet stopped when the CD4(+)T lymphocyte count was more than 150 cells/µl in 3 continuous months. 86.9% eyes were cured clinically. Retinal detachment, immune reconstitution uveitis and complicated cataract was found in 13.1%, 12.1% and 20.5% cases respectively. Optic atrophy occurred in 6 eyes. The visual acuity of 28.9% eyes was 0.05 or less, 71.3% of that caused by retinal detachment, cataract and optic atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

CD4(+) T lymphocyte count reduction is the risk factor for CMVR. HAART and anti-CMV therapy will cure the CMVR clinically.Routine eye examinations should be performed in all AIDS patients to get early diagnosis of CMVR or other opportunistic infections to avoid vision loss, especially in those CD4(+) T lymphocyte count lower than 100 cells/µl.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis: an unusual presentation as vitreous hemorrhage

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to describe an unusual presentation of vitreous hemorrhage (VH) in a patient with an immunosuppressive condition.

METHODS

Retrospective case report.

RESULTS

A 72-year-old woman with known T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia treated with a course of alemtuzumab presented to our department with a VH in her left eye after a fall. An initial diagnosis of hemorrhagic posterior vitreous detachment was made. However, as the VH was resolving, she was found to have underlying vitritis, occlusive vasculitis, and a pale optic nerve head. Vitreous biopsy confirmed cytomegalovirus retinitis. Despite treatment with intravenous foscarnet and oral valganciclovir, her vision continued to remain poor because of the severe damage from the retinal vasculitis and residual VH.

CONCLUSION

As indications for immunosuppression increase, the incidence of cytomegalovirus retinitis in non-HIV-immunosuppressed patients is expected to rise. Therefore, in this subgroup of patients, we should be aware of any underlying retinitis especially in cases with an unusual presentation of VH.

Autoimmune retinopathy in benign thymoma after good syndrome-associated cytomegalovirus retinitis

We report a case of anti-40kDa protein autoimmune retinopathy developing 9 years after thymoma excision on a background of Good Syndrome-associated cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis that suggests a separate pathogenetic pathway from that of previously reported thymoma-associated autoimmune retinopathies.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis after initiation of antiretroviral therapy

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), despite a reduced viral load and improved immune responses, may experience clinical deterioration. This so called "immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS)" is caused by inflammatory response to both intact subclinical pathogens and residual antigens. Cytomegalovirus retinitis is common in HIV-infected patients on ART with a cluster differentiation 4 (CD4+) counts less than 50 cells/mm3. We reported a patient with blurred vision while receiving ART. She had an unmasking classic CMV retinitis after ART.

Risk of cataract in persons with cytomegalovirus retinitis and the acquired immune deficiency syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate cataract risk in eyes of patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and to identify risk factors.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis.

METHODS

Patients 13 years of age and older were enrolled between 1998 and 2008. Demographic and clinical characteristics, slit-lamp biomicroscopy findings, and dilated ophthalmoscopy results were documented at quarterly visits. Cataract status was determined at the initial visit (prevalence) and at follow-up visits (incidence).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

For cataract, a high grade of lens opacity by biomicroscopy to which best-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40 was attributed. Eyes that had undergone cataract surgery before enrollment or between visits also were counted as having cataract.

RESULTS

Seven hundred twenty-nine eyes of 489 patients diagnosed with CMV retinitis were evaluated. Higher prevalence was observed for patients with bilateral versus unilateral CMV retinitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.76-4.26) and, among unilateral CMV retinitis cases, for eyes with retinitis versus without retinitis (15% vs. 1.4%; P<0.0001). The age-adjusted prevalence of cataract among CMV retinitis cases was higher than that in a population-based sample (P<0.0001). Cataract prevalence increased with age (aOR, 11.77; 95% CI, 2.28-60.65 for age ≥ 60 years vs. younger than 40 years) and longer duration of retinitis (aOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.20-1.54 per year). Among eyes with CMV retinitis initially free of cataract, the cataract incidence was 8.1%/eye-year (95% CI, 6.7%-10.0%). Prior retinal detachment was associated with higher cataract risk (if repaired with silicone oil: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 10.37; 95% CI, 6.51-16.52; otherwise: aHR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.73-4.87). Large CMV retinitis lesions also were associated with higher risk of cataract (for involvement of 25-49% retinal area: aHR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.51-3.50; for ≥ 50% involvement: aHR, 3.63; 95% CI, 2.18-6.04), each with respect to ≤ 24% involvement, as were anterior segment inflammation (aHR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.59-3.25) and contralateral cataract (aHR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.74-3.66).

CONCLUSIONS

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is associated with a high absolute and relative risk of cataract. Among several risk factors, large retinal lesion size and use of silicone oil in retinal detachment repair are potentially modifiable, albeit not in all cases. Cataract is likely to be an increasingly important cause of visual morbidity in this population.

Causes of visual acuity loss among HIV-infected patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy in Chiang Mai University Hospital

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the frequencies of the common causes of visual acuity loss for HIV-infected patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy(HAART).

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The present prospective observational study comprised 113 patients (184 eyes) with newly diagnosed CMVR, from May 2008-March 2010. Each patient was followed-up every 3 months with medical history and ophthalmologic examination. Patients were divided as visual impairment and legal blindness.

RESULTS

The majority of the patients were native Thai (91%), while the rest was of hill tribe origin. 55% were females with age ranged between 14-57 years (average of 39). The main cause of HIV infection was heterosexual contact (90%), followed by homosexual contact (7%). It was found that 68% had CD4 T-cell count less than 50 cells/microl and that 46% had bilateral CMVR. Major causes of visual impairment were CMVR zone 2&3, CMVR zone 1 and cataract, respectively. Major causes of legal blindness were CMVR zone 2&3, CMVR zone 1 and retinal detachment, respectively Retinal detachment was a major risk factor in both groups. Even when surgery was successful, the visual acuity was not significantly improved, indicating a permanent loss of vision.

CONCLUSION

In the HAART era, immune recovery of HIV patients also helps restoring specific anti-CMVimmunity. HAART reduces occurrence of visual impairment to 0.10/eye-year (EY) and legal blindness to 0.15/EY, compared to the pre-HAART figures of 0.94-0.98/EY and 0.47-0.49/EY respectively. However, it did not completely eliminate the occurrence. CMVR and cataract remain the most common causes of visual acuity loss followed by retinitis-related retinal detachment, and optic nerve atrophy respectively.

Drug-induced uveitis in aids patients: two case reports

Patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) can develop severe uveitis. Although infectious and autoimmune causes must always be considered, drug induced uveitis is also an important etiology. Herein, we present two case reports illustrating the classical presentation of rifabutin and cidofovir induced uveitis. The first case was a 33 year old woman with AIDS treated with anti-protease and anti-tuberculosis drugs (including rifabutin). She presented with a red painful right eye. There was a strong anterior segment inflammation with fibrinous exudates and a dense vitritis. Rifabutin was stopped and topical steroids and mydriatics were given. Intraocular inflammation and symptoms rapidly resolved. The second patient was a 36 year old woman who presented with a painful decrease of vision in her left eye. She was followed for bilateral CMV retinitis in the setting of AIDS and had recently received 2 systemic injections of cidofovir. Anterior segment inflammation with posterior synechiae in both eyes and folds of Descemet membrane in the left eye were noted. Intraocular pressure was 0 mmHg in the left eye and 10 mmHg in the right eye. Fundus examination disclosed CMV retinitis scars in the right eye and choroidal folds in the macula of the left eye. Cidofovir was discontinued and topical steroids and mydriatics started. Progressively the inflammation decreased and the intraocular pressure returned to normal levels. In conclusion, rifabutin and cidofovir are classical examples of drug induced uveitis with distinct characteristic clinical presentation. Recognition of those entities in AIDS patients can avoid useless and potentially invasive interventions in those fragile people.

Chorioretinitis in infants

PURPOSE

The aim of this review is to present cases of chorioretinitis in infants caused by viral and parasitic infections.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Four infants with viral chorioretinitis were identified in a routine ophthalmological examination. Laboratory tests towards bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases were performed.

RESULTS

Toxoplasmosis, rubella, and CMV infections were diagnosed in clinical and laboratory tests. After a wide spectrum of therapy a total remission of inflammatory process in all the discussed children was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior uveitis is an ocular complication which can be connected with viral or parasitic infections in postnatal period. Prematurity, normal delivery, intrauterine transmission, breast feeding, comorbid diseases might be associated with chorioretinitis in infants.

[Present status and advances in pharmacotherapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]

Cytomegalovirus retinitis has been the most common opportunistic infection and leading cause of visual loss in AIDS patients. There are five drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the USA for the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis: ganciclovir, foscarnet/phosphonoformic acid, valganciclovir, cidofovir and formivirsen. Progress has been made in the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis. Nowadays, maribavir, monoclonal antibody MSL-109, cyclopropavir and BAY 38-4766 are entering clinical trials. This review summarizes present status and advances in pharmacotherapy for cytomegalovirus retinitis in AIDS.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

PURPOSE

To assess the prevalence of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and prognosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis-related retinal detachment (RD) surgery in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

DESIGN

Retrospective interventional cohort study.

METHODS

Thirty-five human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with CMV retinitis-related RD who underwent surgical repair were assessed for PVR, CD4-positive T cell counts, and use of HAART. Main outcome measures included anatomic and functional outcomes of RD surgery as well as the presence of PVR and CD4-positive T cell counts.

RESULTS

PVR was present in 10 of 35 patients (29%) at the time of the first surgery. The presence of PVR was associated with worse preoperative and postoperative visual acuity (P = .017 and P = .009, respectively), with the CD4-positive T cell counts above 200 cells/microL (P = .054), and with a longer interval between the diagnosis of RD and surgery (P = .025). The odds ratio for development of PVR in patients with CD4-positive T cells above 200 cells/microL was 11.3 (95% confidence interval 1.01-125). PVR was not associated with age, gender, or duration of HIV infection. Anatomic reattachment was obtained in 31 patients (89%), though the functional outcomes were limited. The central location of CMV retinitis was associated with postoperative visual acuity (VA) of less than 0.1 (P = .000). Postoperative logMAR VA was associated with preoperative logMAR VA (P < .001) and development of PVR (P = .009).

CONCLUSION

PVR was present in 29% of CMV retinitis-related RD and was associated with higher CD4-positive T cell counts and longer interval between the diagnosis of RD and surgery.

[Two types of CMV ocular complications in patients with HIV infection]

CMV retinitis is the most serious ocular complication of AIDS. Introduction of the combination antiretroviral therapy markedly reduced the occurrence of CMV retinitis, on the other hand it brought a new ocular complication - CMV uveitis. CMV uveitis is an immunopathological inflammatory reaction associated with the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, which is a side effect of successfully initiated cART. These two forms of CMV ocular complications differ in pathogenesis, symptomatology and therapy. The CMV retinitis is treated with anti-CMV virostatics whereas the therapy of CMV uveitis is based on attenuation of the inflammatory reaction by administration of corticosteroids. The optimal prevention of both complications is an early initiation of cART before the CD4+ T lymphocytes drop below 200/microl.

CD20-negative CD138-positive leukemic large cell lymphoma with plasmablastic differentiation with an IgH/MYC translocation in an HIV-positive patient

A 49-year-old HIV-positive Japanese man was referred to our hospital for multiple skin nodules. Many plasmablastic atypical lymphocytes were observed in the peripheral blood. He was diagnosed with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) by a biopsy of the inguinal lymph node. IgH/MYC translocation was detected by in situ hybridization of the lymph node and chromosomal analysis of bone marrow cells showed 46, XY, t(8 ; 14)(q24 ; q32)add(14)(q32), der(21)t(1 ; 21)(q12 ; p11). He showed a transient response to multi-agent chemotherapy, and during the course of salvage chemotherapy, he died of urinary infection. This case has unique clinical features compared with previously reported DLBCLs with plasmablastic differentiation.

Ocular complications of HIV infection in sub-Sahara Africa

This article reviews the magnitude and spectrum of ocular complications of HIV infection in sub-Sahara Africa. A literature search was done using PubMed, Google, and UpToDate and by talking to ophthalmologists and HIV experts working in the region. Ocular complications of HIV infection, mostly retinal, are seen in 29% to 71% of patients. Cytomegalovirus retinitis affects 0% to 16.5% of HIV-infected patients and is treated successfully with intravitreal ganciclovir in South Africa and Botswana. Ocular surface squamous neoplasia is seen in 4% to 7.8% of persons with HIV (a 5%-6% increase in Uganda and Tanzania), and recurrence after surgery occurs in 3.2% to 31.2%. In Zimbabwe, 45% of meningitis in adults is cryptococcal, and cryptococcal meningitis is the third leading cause of death in HIV patients in rural Uganda. In Rwanda, 9% of patients with cryptococcal meningitis developed visual loss and sixth nerve palsy. Thus, HIV infection leads to significant ocular morbidity in sub-Sahara Africa.

Objective analysis of retinal function in HIV-positive children without retinitis using optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To assess the retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in children with human immunodeficiency virus disease without cytomegalovirus retinitis or visual symptoms.

METHODS

Thirty-eight eyes of 19 human immunodeficiency virus-positive children (group A) with visual acuity of 20/20 or better, normal color vision testing and no ophthalmoscopically detectable disorders were prospectively examined. All subjects of group A had no history of cytomegalovirus retinitis and CD4 counts consistently above 100. Patients in group B (40 eyes of 21 patients) were human immunodeficiency virus-negative age-matched control subjects. Thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer along a 3.4-mm-diameter circle centered on the optic nerve head was evaluated using third-generation optical coherence tomography. CD8 T-lymphocyte count, presence of systemic infection, hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum beta-microglobulin levels were also recorded.

RESULTS

The mean overall retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in groups A and B were 89.2 +/- 24.01 microm and 102.82 +/- 29.168 microm (SD) respectively. The difference was considered extremely significant (P < 0.0001). Group A had significantly thinner average nerve fiber layer in temporal, nasal, superior and inferior retinal areas.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant retinal nerve fiber layer thinning occurs in human immunodeficiency virus-positive children with no visual impairment or ophthalmologic evidence or retinitis.

Blindness and low vision in a tertiary ophthalmologic center in Thailand: the importance of cytomegalovirus retinitis

PURPOSE

To determine the causes of blindness and low vision in patients consulting a tertiary ophthalmologic center in northern Thailand.

METHODS

The study population included 2,951 new consecutive patients from the Department of Ophthalmology at University Hospital in Chiang-Mai, Thailand. Main outcome measures were blindness and low vision, which were defined according to World Health Organization criteria.

RESULTS

Of 2,951 patients, 369 (12.5%) had blindness and/or low vision (bilateral blindness in 73, unilateral blindness in 129, bilateral low vision in 77, and unilateral low vision in 90). Of the etiological causes of visual loss, age-related ocular disease was the most frequent (128 patients [35%]) followed by infections (66 patients [18%]) and trauma (43 patients [12%]). Although infections and trauma were the predominant causes of blindness, age-related disorders were frequently found in patients with low vision. Of anatomical sites, the lens (134 patients [36%]) was the main location of visual loss, closely followed by disorders of the retina and/or uvea (126 patients [34%]). Blindness and low vision were considered avoidable in 70% of cases. Of 73 patients with bilateral blindness, 14 had active cytomegalovirus retinitis, accounting for 19% of all patients with bilateral blindness.

CONCLUSION

The most common causes of blindness and low vision in a tertiary center in northern Thailand were age-related ocular disorders and infections, which were predominantly cases of cytomegalovirus retinitis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

Immune recovery uveitis in an HIV-negative individual†

Immune recovery uveitis (IRU) is an intraocular inflammatory disorder originally described in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and inactive cytomegalovirus retinitis following highly active antiretroviral therapy. Although relatively common in individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome in the United States it is an extremely uncommon presentation in Australia. IRU also occurs in iatrogenically immunosuppressed individuals with a similar incidence to HIV-infected individuals. We report one case of IRU in an HIV-negative individual following a volunteer unrelated donor allogeneic stem cell transplant for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In the context of tapering the immunosuppression the patient developed bilateral IRU, consisting of panuveitis and macular oedema. The visual acuity (VA) at presentation of IRU was limited to counting fingers bilaterally. The IRU resolved with the re-intensification of the immunosuppression. VA restored to right 6/18 and left 6/12.

Effect of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis on the Risk of Visual Acuity Loss among Patients with AIDS

PURPOSE

To describe the prevalence and incidence of reduced visual acuity in eyes of patients with AIDS and without cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis at enrollment and estimate the proportion of incident vision loss attributable to new-onset CMV retinitis in this cohort.

DESIGN

Multicenter prospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Three thousand fourteen eyes of 1507 patients with AIDS and without CMV retinitis at enrollment.

METHODS

Medical history, ophthalmologic examination, and laboratory testing collected at enrollment and at follow-up visits every 6 months thereafter.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Loss of visual acuity across the < or =20/50 and < or =20/200 thresholds and doubling of the visual angle; potential causes of this vision loss.

RESULTS

For eyes of patients without CMV retinitis at enrollment, the proportions with best-corrected visual acuity of < or =20/50 and of < or =20/200 were 3.9% and 1.8%, respectively. The incidence rates of vision loss to < or =20/50, < or =20/200, and to a doubling of the visual angle were 1.5/100 eye-year (EY), 0.8/100 EY, and 2.1/100 EY, respectively. Approximately 40% of the incident vision loss was attributable to CMV retinitis diagnosed during the follow-up period, and approximately 25% was attributable to cataract.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the development of CMV retinitis was the most common reason for visual acuity loss in eyes of our patients with AIDS, it accounted for less than half of the vision loss in our population (approximately 40%). Newly diagnosed cataract during the follow-up period accounted for a substantial amount of incident vision loss as well.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

PURPOSE

To describe a rare association of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Report of three patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) who developed CMV retinitis.

RESULTS

The diagnosis was established by the detection of CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction analysis of aqueous and/or vitreous humour. CD4+ T-lymphocyte count was reduced in two patients and normal in the third one. There was bilateral involvement in two of the three patients. There was delay of 8-10 months in diagnosis. The visual outcome was poor in four out of the five eyes involved owing to optic atrophy or total retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

CONCLUSION

Increased awareness of CMV retinitis in patients who have received immunosuppression for haematological malignancies, such as CLL, could lead to earlier diagnosis and possibly better visual outcome.

Incidence of and Risk Factors for Visual Acuity Loss among Patients with AIDS and Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

PURPOSE

To describe the incidence of and risk factors for visual acuity loss among patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

DESIGN

Multicenter prospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred seventy-nine patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis (494 eyes).

METHODS

Follow-up every 3 months with medical history, ophthalmologic examination, and laboratory testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of visual acuity loss to 20/50 or worse, to 20/200 or worse, and of doubling of the visual angle in eyes affected with CMV retinitis.

RESULTS

Among the 494 eyes with CMV retinitis, the baseline frequencies of visual acuity loss to 20/50 or worse and to 20/200 or worse were 29% and 15%, respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 3.1 years, the incidences of visual acuity loss to 20/50 or worse, to 20/200 or worse, and of doubling of the visual angle were 0.10/eye-year (EY), 0.06/EY, and 0.13/EY, respectively. Immune recovery was associated with a 42% reduction in vision loss to 20/50 or worse and with a 61% reduction in vision loss to 20/200 or worse after adjusting for confounding. Of the patients with immune recovery at baseline, 17% had immune recovery uveitis (IRU). In these patients, the incidence rate of 20/50 or worse vision was similar to that observed in patients without immune recovery (0.17/EY vs. 0.16/EY), but the incidence of 20/200 or worse vision was similar to that observed among patients with immune recovery (0.04/EY vs. 0.04/EY).

CONCLUSIONS

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is associated with a substantial risk of incident vision loss in the era of HAART. Those who have HAART-induced immune recovery have approximately 50% lower risk of visual acuity loss. Presence of IRU at baseline attenuated the protective effect of immune recovery for moderate vision loss but not for blindness.

Causes of Visual Acuity Loss among Patients with AIDS and Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

PURPOSE

To quantitate the frequencies of the common causes of visual acuity loss for patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

DESIGN

Multicenter prospective observational study.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred seventy-nine patients (494 eyes) with CMV retinitis.

METHODS

Follow-up every 3 months with medical history, ophthalmologic examination, and laboratory testing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Loss of visual acuity across the 20/50 or worse and 20/200 or worse thresholds and doubling of the visual angle; frequencies of causes of such vision loss.

RESULTS

Overall, involvement of the posterior pole with CMV retinitis (zone 1 retinitis) accounted for approximately one half of incident visual acuity loss of 20/50 or worse, 20/200 or worse, and of doubling of the visual angle. Cataract and retinitis-related retinal detachment were the second and third most common causes of vision loss, accounting for 22% to 33% and 13% to 20% of vision loss for the 3 outcomes, respectively. In subset analysis, cataract and cystoid macular edema (CME) accounted for approximately 50% of incident vision loss in eyes of patients with longstanding CMV retinitis and immune recovery at baseline, but these complications accounted for <10% of incident vision loss in eyes of patients with newly diagnosed CMV retinitis at baseline. Of eyes that had a vision-threatening complication of CMV retinitis, eyes that developed retinal detachment had the highest risk of vision loss, with 100% of eyes developing visual impairment (20/50 or worse vision) and 42% of eyes developing legal blindness (20/200 or worse vision) at 12 months after diagnosis of the retinal detachment.

CONCLUSIONS

In the HAART era, zone 1 involvement and retinal detachment remain the most common causes of visual acuity loss among patients with CMV retinitis. Cataract and CME also are common causes of loss of visual acuity, primarily in those patients with HAART-induced immune recovery.

Risk of Immune Recovery Uveitis in Patients with AIDS and Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for immune recovery uveitis (IRU) in eyes of patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

DESIGN

Enrollment data from a 19-clinical center cohort study.

PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred seventy-four patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis affecting 539 eyes.

METHODS

Patients with AIDS were enrolled at 19 United States AIDS ophthalmology clinics. Data were collected by interview, review of medical records, ophthalmic examination, and phlebotomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Immune recovery uveitis.

RESULTS

Thirty-six patients (9.6%) were diagnosed with IRU involving 50 eyes. The CD4+ T-cell count of 31 of these had risen by > or =50 cells per microliter above nadir to a level > or = 100 cells per microliter (immune recovery), making up 17.6% of the patients known to have immune recovery after diagnosis of CMV retinitis (95% confidence interval, 12.3%-24.1%). No patients with IRU were observed to have active retinitis or detectable CMV DNA in peripheral blood (P<0.001 and P<0.001 with respect to patients without IRU). Other factors associated with IRU were > or =25% retinal area (odds ratio [OR], 2.72; P = 0.014) or posterior pole involvement with CMV retinitis (odds ratio, 0.43; P = 0.039), treatment with intravitreous injection of cidofovir (OR, 10.6 with respect to eyes never exposed to intravitreous or IV cidofovir; P<0.001), and male gender (OR, 0.26; P = 0.012). More eyes with IRU had visual acuity (VA) of 20/50 or worse (38.0% vs. 26.3%, P = 0.077) relative to eyes without IRU, but the proportions with VA of 20/200 or worse were similar (14.0% vs. 13.8%, P = 0.96). Eyes with IRU more commonly had cystoid macular edema (CME) (45.5% vs. 3.7%, P<0.001) and epiretinal membrane (48.9% vs. 13.3%, P<0.001) than eyes without IRU.

CONCLUSIONS

Among eyes of patients with immune recovery, the prevalence of IRU is substantial. Eyes with IRU have a high risk of additional morbidity over and above that seen with CMV retinitis, with several-fold higher risk of CME and epiretinal membrane. Large CMV lesions and use of intravitreous cidofovir are risk factors for IRU.

Treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis with oral valganciclovir in an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patient unresponsive to combination antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis was a much-feared visual complication of late-stage acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the past. Its incidence has waned significantly owing to the benefits of potent antiretroviral combination therapy, which for many individuals has provided some degree of immune reconstitution and avoidance of opportunistic infections, particularly this blinding disease.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old white man with long-standing, multidrug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and severe immunodeficiency despite multiple antiretroviral drug regimens, presented to the eye clinic reporting decreased vision and spider web patterns in his left eye for the past week. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right (O.D.) and 20/25 in the left eye (O.S.). Dilated funduscopic examination of the left eye found vasculitis of the midperipheral inferonasal arcade in the midperiphery, with surrounding intraretinal hemorrhage and granular retinal necrosis. Diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis was made, and the patient began induction therapy with oral valganciclovir 900 mg twice a day for 3 weeks. Maintenance therapy after retinitis stabilization was 900 mg every day until any observed recurrence of infection. Three months after complete resolution of the active retinitis, the patient returned to the clinic reporting new floaters of recent onset. A reactivation of the CMV retinitis warranted a reinduction with valganciclovir 900 mg orally twice a day for 3 weeks.

CONCLUSION

This case is illustrative of the efficacy and relative ease of administration of valganciclovir, the newest medication approved for treatment and maintenance of CMV retinitis. Despite his severe immunodeficiency, our patient tolerated the induction and maintenance therapy of oral valganciclovir well, and the CMV retinitis was stabilized and resolved with full recovery of visual acuity.

CMV retinitis in a patient with good syndrome

PURPOSE

To describe cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in a patient with Good syndrome.

METHODS

A 48-year-old patient with Good syndrome presented with a necrotizing retinitis in the left eye. Quantitative touchdown real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on aqueous fluid.

RESULTS

Quantitative PCR showed 152 copies of CMV per ml and was negative for varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), and HSV-2. The positive CMV PCR suggested CMV retinitis and the patient was treated with intravitreal ganciclovir injections (2.5 mg/0.05 ml), followed by ganciclovir implant. The retinal lesions showed decreasing activity two weeks after the onset of the therapy. A repeat PCR showed a decreasing number of CMV copies at one and two weeks (122 copies/ml and 0 copies/ml, respectively) that correlated clinically with the decreasing retinitis activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantitative PCR can be useful in diagnosing as well as assessing the response to therapy of CMV retinitis in patients with Good syndrome.

Long-term Study of Intraocular Pressure Changes in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

PURPOSE

To characterize a longitudinal relationship between highly active antiretroviral therapy immune recovery as defined by an increase in CD4 cell counts and any associated changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in both patients with and patients without a history of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and to determine if human immunodeficiency (HIV)-induced reduction in IOP is reversible.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of patient data collected from 1997 through 2004.

PARTICIPANTS

Cohort of patients from one eye center, including patients from the Longitudinal Study of Ocular Complications of Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

METHODS

Linear regression analyses were conducted within the CMV and non-CMV groups to determine the change in IOP per 100-unit change in CD4 count. Average changes in IOP per change in CD4 count were compared between the CMV and the non-CMV groups using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Linear regression analyses were conducted within the CMV and non-CMV groups to determine the linear relationship between the 12-month change in IOP per 12-month 100-unit change in CD4 count.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Intraocular pressure in relation to changes in CD4 cell counts.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-CMV group, the median IOP change per change in CD4 count was not statistically different from the CMV group (0.9 vs. 1.7 mmHg/100 CD4 cells, respectively; P = 0.20). Analysis of the linear relationship between the 12-month change in IOP and the 12-month change in CD4 count within both the CMV and non-CMV groups showed a strong linear relationship: 67% of the variability in a 12-month IOP change for the CMV group (P<0.0001) and 36% of the variability in a 12-month IOP change for the non-CMV group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduction in T-lymphocyte count in HIV infection is accompanied by a decrease in IOP in both CMV-infected and non-CMV-infected eyes, and immune recovery is associated with an increase in IOP.

Management of blinding disease: loss of immunity and superinfection

Globally the most important loss of immunity currently occurs with HIV disease. The effects of HIV on the eye, since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, have been less in countries where such treatment is available but even in such situations ophthalmic zoster can occur at higher CD4 cell counts and can still cause problems. Other opportunistic infections such as CMV retinitis tend to occur at lower CD4 cell counts. However, globally treatment is not universally available in resource poor countries where it is most needed. A major impact of HIV in such situations is on premature mortality affecting the health care and education workforce, which indirectly has an impact on blinding disease. In addition, loss of family income due to illness or death of parents can affect nutritional status of remaining family members especially children as well as the direct effect of opportunistic infections in the eyes of those infected with HIV.

Results of silicone oil removal in patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis related retinal detachments

PURPOSE

To evaluate the percentage and risk indicators leading to retinal redetachment in HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) patients with CMV (cytomegalovirus) retinitis related retinal detachments that were repaired with silicone oil, and then subsequently underwent oil removal.

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series.

METHODS

The study cohort consisted of a series of 15 eyes in 14 patients with HIV and CMV retinitis with a retinal detachment (RD) repaired with silicone oil at a single center and followed from the time of the CMV retinitis diagnosis through the time of silicone oil removal. Patient- and eye-specific data regarding demographic and clinical characteristics were collected retrospectively and statistical analyses were performed to compare differences between the eyes that had retinal detachments versus the eyes that remained attached following removal of silicone oil.

RESULTS

Eight eyes (53%) redetached after a median of 4.0 months following oil removal. Cataract surgery performed at the time of oil removal was a statistically significant risk factor for redetachment (P = .01). There was a trend for lower CD4 levels to be associated with a higher risk of retinal redetachment. The use of a scleral buckle at the time of surgery (initial RD repair or at the time of oil removal) did not reduce the risk of redetachment.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately half of the eyes with CMV related retinal detachment may safely undergo oil removal. The risk factor for redetachment was simultaneous cataract extraction at the time of silicone oil removal. There was also a trend for lower CD4 levels to be associated with a higher risk of retinal redetachment.

Immune recovery uveitis in an iatrogenically immunosuppressed patient

PURPOSE

To report a case of immune recovery uveitis (IRU) in an iatrogenically immunosuppressed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patient.

METHODS

Interventional case report. One patient was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus retinitis in the left eye while receiving immunosuppressive treatment following renal transplantation. The retinitis resolved completely with systemic ganciclovir. Further reduction of immunosuppressive treatment, causing a rapid increase in CD4-T lymphocyte count, was associated in the same eye with the occurrence of IRU consisting of anterior uveitis, vitritis, and macular edema.

RESULTS

Visual acuity at IRU presentation onset was 20/200 in the left eye. After 6 weeks of follow-up, the uveitis resolved with topical and periocular steroid treatment. Visual acuity restored to 20/40.

CONCLUSIONS

IRU can occur in iatrogenically immunosuppressed HIV-negative patients.

Progressive outer retinal necrosis presenting with isolated optic neuropathy

Progressive outer retinal necrosis is a necrotizing herpetic retinopathy usually seen in immunocompromised patients. The authors describe two patients with this disease who initially had findings suggestive of an optic neuropathy. Vision declined after treatment with methylprednisolone, after which fundus examination became consistent with progressive outer retinal necrosis. These cases underscore the importance of careful examination of the retinal periphery before management of any presumed optic neuropathy with steroids.

[Ocular manifestations in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection before and after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy]

The aim of this study was to determine and compare the incidence of various ophthalmlogic changes before anfd after the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-infected patients treated at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases "Dr. Fran Mihaljević" in Zagreb. This retrospective longitudinal analysis included all adult patients with confirmed HIV-1 infection divided into two groups: period before HAART (1995-1997) and period after HAART (1998-2000). Only those patients who underwent at least two ophthalmologic examinations in any of the two or in both periods were considered eligible. In total, 85 patients were enrolled in the study, 50 during the 1995-1997 period and 47 in the period 1998-2000 (12 patients were monitored in both periods). The mortality rate was significantly lower in patients treated during the HAART era, with an average decrease in mortality rates of 59.3%. During the period of ophthalmologic monitoing from 1995 to 1997, only 9 (18%) patients received HAART, and 33 (70.2%) in the period 1998-2000. In total, 208 ophthalmic abnormalities were recorded, 132 (63.5%) in the first and 76 (36.5%) in the second period. Vascular changes were most frequently diagnosed (113/208 or 54.3% cases) of which cotton-wool exudates in 55 and microaneurysms in 54 cases. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis was most commonly diagnosed among infectious ocular complications (altogether 39 episodes). Changes in the anterior segment were observed in only 11/208 (5.3%) cases, while neuro-ophthalmic manifestations were sees in 39/208 patients (18.7%). The incidence of CMV-retinitis episodes in the first monitored period was 57.2 (95% CI, 38.5-86.6) per 100 years of follow-up and in the HAART era 7.6 (95% CI, 1.6-22.4; p<0.0001) per 100 years of follow-up. The visual acuity in patients from the HAART era was significantly more frequently preserved than in patients from the pre HAART era on follow-up examinations (p<0.001). Our study showed that the incidence of CMV-retinitis declined significantly in the period 1998-2000, while the decrease in the incidence rates of other ocular manifestations was less profound. In contrast to the pre HAART era, there was no worsening of visual acuity in the HAART era.