Posterior segment manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Indian J Ophthalmol. 2008 Sep-Oct;56(5):377-83. doi: 10.4103/0301-4738.42413.

Abstract

Ocular manifestations can occur in up to 50% of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and posterior segment involvement is the most common presentation. The posterior segment manifestations of AIDS can be divided into four categories: retinal vasculopathy, opportunistic infections, unusual malignancies and neuro-ophthalmologic abnormalities. Retinal microvasculopathy and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis are the most common manifestations, even in the era of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Highly active anti-retroviral therapy has been shown to cause regression of CMV retinitis, reduce the incidence of CMV-related retinal detachments, and prolong patient survival. Immune recovery uveitis is a new cause of vision loss in patients on HAART. Diagnosis and treatment are guided by the particular conditions and immune status of the patient.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections* / drug therapy
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections* / epidemiology
  • AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections* / virology
  • Anti-Retroviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • HIV
  • Humans
  • India / epidemiology
  • Morbidity / trends
  • Prognosis
  • Uveitis, Posterior* / drug therapy
  • Uveitis, Posterior* / epidemiology
  • Uveitis, Posterior* / virology

Substances

  • Anti-Retroviral Agents