Extensive retinal neovascularization as a late finding in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with immune recovery uveitis.

Abstract

Sixteen human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with inactive cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis who had discontinued systemic anti-CMV therapy while receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were prospectively observed. Fifteen patients developed immune recovery uveitis (IRU); 3 of the patients developed extensive retinal neovascularization, 1 of whom required vitrectomy for recurrent vitreous hemorrhages. These late complications indicate a need for continued ophthalmologic follow-up of HIV-infected patients who have a history of CMV retinitis, even for individuals who have not required anti-CMV therapy for >4 years.