Introduction
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is common, affecting 30-40% of patients who have a CD4 count < 50. Diagnosis is clinical as there are no diagnostic tests
Clinical features
- Visual impairment - 'blurred vision' etc
Fundoscopy
- Characteristic appearance showing retinal haemorrhages and necrosis
- Often called 'pizza' retina
Management
- IV ganciclovir
- Treatment used to be life-long but new evidence suggests that it may be discontinued once CD4 > 150 after HAART
- Alternative: IV foscarnet or cidofovir