Aids Presenting Early Cytomegalovirus Retinitis-A Case Report

Purpose: To describe a patient had the only initial manifestation of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, was later diagnosed with Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). From early intervention of anti-CMV medication combined with anti-HIV drugs, the patient had good preservation of final visual outcome on follow-up examinations. Methods: Case report Case Report: A 30-year-old white female is an English teacher came to Taiwan for more than 2 years. She had been quite well before, without underlying disease mentioned, except for chronic allergic rhinitis. Blurred vision in progress was found herself since about 3 days ago before she visited our ophthalmologic department. Further examinations were performed, including slit lamp biomicroscopy, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, dilated fundus examination, visual field examination, color fundus photographs, and Fluorecein angiography. Result: Best-corrected visual acuity showed 0.7 on right eye and 1 .0 on left eye initially. Relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) sign was observed on her right eye, whereas fundus examination showed extensive infiltration of retinitis in both eyes with ”brushfire-like” pattern along retinal blood vessels. So that viral retinitis was highly suspected. Blood examination showed high titers of serum CMV antibody and anti-HIV antibody, but absolute neutrophil counts (ANC) and CD4 cell counts were still within normal limits. AIDS complicated with CMV retinitis was diagnosed. Following treatment with Gancyclovir 250 mg every 12 hours had been administered intravenously for 2 weeks. Then regimen of Gancyclovir was changed to 250 mg everyday intravenously. At the same time, anti-HIV agents with Highly-active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART, cocktail) were also given. After completing 3 weeks course of treatment, dilated fundus examination showed regressed infiltration of retinitis and good preservation of visual acuity with 0.8 on the right eye and 1 .0 on the left eye. She was then discharged from ward under oral Valgancyclovir control. Conclusion: It is worthy to mention that CMV retinitis can still be the initial manifestation of AIDS. And satisfying outcome of final visual acuity can still be expected by early diagnosis and early intervention with anti-viral treatment.