[Retinitis due to cytomegalovirus in AIDS]

Clinical course of 4 AIDS patients suffering from CMV retinitis is presented. Two patients were treated with ganciclovir, one died before starting the treatment and one was vitrectomized with silicone oil injection. Of the two patients treated with ganciclovir one improved significantly when the other continued to deteriorate and died after 8 months of follow-up. Early diagnosis and treatment of patients with zone I involvement gives the best chances for improvement. Mean life expectancy in aids patients after diagnosis of CMV retinitis is 7-10 months.