CMV retinitis

- without HAART, up to 30% of AIDS patients develop reactivation of CMV in the form of destructive and blinding retinitis
- slowly progressive disorder, visual loss may occur suddenly as a result of hemorrhage or retinal detachment
- presents with blurring of vision, scotoma, floaters and flashing lights
- patches of irregular retinal pallor and hemorrhage in perivascular distribution
- complications: retinal detachment, branch retinal artery occlusion, persistent iritis, cataract
- treatment: IV ganciclovir 10mg/kg/day for 3 weeks, foscarnet
 (ganciclovir is myelosuppressive, FBC should be monitored)