CMV Retinitis

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most common opportunistic infection of the eye in patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). It causes significant morbidity in immunocompromised patients, including transplant and HIV-infected patients. CMV is a DNA virus that infects around 40% of the population worldwide. Three patterns of active lesions have been described: hemorrhagic, brush fire, and granular. The mainstay of treatment in CMV retinitis is the reversal of immunodeficiency. Successful management of CMV retinitis requires not only highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV patients but also appropriate anti-CMV therapy such as systemic antivirals and adjunctive local treatment. Current available FDA-approved therapies for CMV retinitis include intravenous and intravitreal ganciclovir and foscarnet, intravenous cidofovir, and oral valganciclovir.