Non-CMV infectious chorioretinopathies in AIDS

Abstract

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most common posterior segment opportunistic infection and the leading cause of blindness in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. CMV is not the sole agent that can infect the fundus of an immunocompromised patient. Disseminated herpes zoster (HZ), herpes simplex, toxoplasmosis, and Candidiasis are possible. Syphilis, Pneumocystis carinii, cryptococcosis, tuberculosis, and a host of other viruses, protozoa, bacteria, or neoplasms may invade the retina or choroid. The eye care practitioner must not only differentiate noninfectious retinopathy (AIDS retinopathy) from CMV retinitis, but also distinguish CMV retinitis from other posterior segment infections because the treatment modalities are different. This paper will review the clinical features of non-CMV infectious retinopathies and choroidopathies that occur in AIDS patients.