Retinal microvasculopathy in human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV)-infected children

Purpose: To report two cases of retinal peripheral lesions in vertically HIV-infected children. Methods: Complete ophthalmological examinations were performed in both cases over a period of four years. Results: We found retinal peripheral lesions in four eyes of two patients who were referred to us for routine examination. Both cases showed focal, segmental and white patches around the vessel wall in the far periphery and at the equator. These findings hardly changed after 3.5 and 2.5 years of follow-up, respectively. We suppose the cause of these lesions is an immune-mediated reaction. Conclusions: Even although there is a low incidence of retinal alterations in pediatric patients infected by HIV, we believe that complete and systematic ophthalmic examinations should be performed in these children.