Calcified cytoid bodies in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

The postmortem histopathologic findings of eyes from two patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are presented. Both patients had succumbed to multiple opportunistic infections. All of the eyes demonstrated calcified cotton-wool patches of the retina. To date, there have been no prior descriptions of calcification of cotton-wool spots (CWS). The pathophysiologic mechanisms unique to AIDS that allow some of these CWSs to calcify have yet to be determined.