Clinical aspects of cytomegalovirus retinitis

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening opportunistic infection of the retina that occurs in immunosuppressed individuals. The diagnosis is based primarily on the clinical ophthalmic examination, with laboratory confirmation of systemic CMV infection. The retinitis has several characteristic appearances and a characteristic course of clinical evolution. The response to therapy with 9-[(1,3-dihydroxy-2-propoxy)methyl]guanine (DHPG, ganciclovir) has represented a significant improvement in the management of this disease. An understanding of the clinical presentation, clinical course, diagnosis, and clinical variations of CMV retinitis is important in the evaluation of the results of antiviral therapy.