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Anterior segment findings in AIDS patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis
J M Brody1, S I Butrus, D M Laby
1Department of Ophthalmology, George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Background:
Anterior segment findings in AIDS patients presenting with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis have not been specifically addressed in the American literature.
Methods:
Our study evaluated 21 AIDS patients with CMV retinitis.
Results:
Nineteen (90%) of these patients exhibited corneal endothelial deposits concurrent with CMV retinitis. The endothelial deposits were microscopic, opaque, linear flecks arranged in a reticular-like fashion. Of 42 eyes evaluated, 32 (76%) demonstrated active CMV retinitis. Corneal endothelial deposits were noted in 26 (81%) of the 32 eyes with retinitis. These corneal endothelial deposits were absent in the eyes which did not have CMV retinitis.
Conclusion:
Meticulous examination of the retina of an HIV-positive or AIDS patient who presents with reticularly arranged, linear, flecked corneal endothelial deposits should be performed to ensure that the diagnosis of CMV retinitis can be ruled out.