[Cytomegalovirus retinitis: clinical and therapeutic aspects]

ABSTRACT

CYTOMEGALOVIRUS [CMV] is a frequent infection, which is usually asymptomatic. It is a significant pathogen in terminal acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS] patients causing major opportunistic events. Retrospective study of 5 AIDS patients with CMV retinitis treated between 1990 and 2001 in the department of ophthalmology in Sfax Hospital centre was conducted to determine clinical and therapeutic featuring, and efficacy of intraveinous and intravitreal ganciclovir to control retinitis in AIDS patients. The results showed that retinitis was controlled in 4 cases and visual acuity improved within three weeks. Serious ocular complications were encountered in 1 case. Concomitant tritherapy was used in 3 cases. In 1 case we noted necrotizing retinitis at the periphery enlarging centrifugally and progressing to the fovea. In immunocompromised patients, Ganciclovir may offer good alternative to control CMV retinitis. Fortunately, with the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy very few patients have disease related to CMV