Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

Abstract

There are two distinct patterns of chorioretinal involvement in CMV retinitis. SD-OCT is a useful tool in the diagnosis, management, and prediction of the outcome of CMV retinitis.

Optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography in uveitis: A review

“…For instance, the identification of large empty spaces in the outer nuclear layer in eyes with CMV retinitis has been correlated with subsequent retinal detachment. 36 OCTA findings in areas of retinitis have been reported in both infectious and non-infectious uveitis. The images usually allow visualization of disruption or absence of the normal capillary plexuses in the affected areas ( Figure 8D).…”

“…In some patients this pattern was accompanied by focal areas of increased reflectivity shaped as "volcanic eruptions" rising from the points of contact between the vitreous and the necrotizing retina ( Figure 7A). 36 Hyper-reflective oval deposits within the vitreo-retinal interface 37 or along the detached posterior hyaloid 38 have been reported during the active phase of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis ( Figure 7B). These deposits migrated within the retina and gradually disappeared as the infection was treated.…”

“…Invernizzi et al reported that posterior segment OCT scans of CMV retinitis patients with vitritis showed a “nebulous pattern” composed of a dusty background of increased reflectivity studded with hyper‐reflective dots. In some patients this pattern was accompanied by focal areas of increased reflectivity shaped as “volcanic eruptions” rising from the points of contact between the vitreous and the necrotizing retina (Figure A) …”

“…Patients with the same disease can also show different OCT alterations within the retinal layers, and these can help in predicting the outcomes and managing the disease. For instance, the identification of large empty spaces in the outer nuclear layer in eyes with CMV retinitis has been correlated with subsequent retinal detachment …”

Disease of the Year: Differential Diagnosis of Uveitic Macular Edema

“…1 Cystic spaces resulting from a disruption of the retinal layers deriving from direct tissue damage can also be seen and have to be distinguished from UME which is caused by a breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier ( Figure 1B). 53,54 Choroiditis and chorioretinitis can be complicated by inflammatory choroidal neovascularization more often than other uveitis entities. 55 The exudative process linked to the presence of inflammatory choroidal neovascularization often leads to the formation of cystic changes within the retinal tissue overlying the lesion ( Figure 1C).…”