Cytomegalovirus retinitis in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a rare association of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

Patients and methods: Report of three patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) who developed CMV retinitis.

Results: The diagnosis was established by the detection of CMV DNA by polymerase chain reaction analysis of aqueous and/or vitreous humour. CD4+ T-lymphocyte count was reduced in two patients and normal in the third one. There was bilateral involvement in two of the three patients. There was delay of 8-10 months in diagnosis. The visual outcome was poor in four out of the five eyes involved owing to optic atrophy or total retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Conclusion: Increased awareness of CMV retinitis in patients who have received immunosuppression for haematological malignancies, such as CLL, could lead to earlier diagnosis and possibly better visual outcome.