Cytomegalovirus Immune Recovery Retinitis with Similarity to Acute Retinal Necrosis

Purpose: To describe successful treatment of cytomegalovirus immune recovery retinitis, with similarity to acute retinal necrosis, in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the immune recovery stage. Case summary: A 37-year-old man, diagnosed with AIDS 5 years prior, visited our clinic with a chief complaint of visual disturbance in his right eye for 1 week. Slit lamp examination revealed severe inflammation; a light gray retinal lesion with a clear border was present in the inferotemporal area of the peripheral retina. Antiviral (ganciclovir) and oral steroid treatments were initiated. Blood test results indicated that the CD4+ T-cell count was 222/mu L. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of anterior puncture findings showed a positive result for cytomegalovirus. Clinical findings were suggestive of acute retinal necrosis, but the patients condition and examination were also suggestive of cytomegalovirus retinitis in the immune recovery stage. One month after treatment, retinal detachment was observed; surgery was performed. There was no recurrence for 3 years after the second operation and the patient remained in stable condition. Conclusions: In the immune recovery stage, non-specific cytomegalovirus retinitis accompanied by inflammation may exhibit fundus findings similar to acute retinal necrosis. We report a rare case of cytomegalovirus immune recovery retinitis where normal vision was restored via systemic drug treatment and surgery.