Ischemic maculopathy in zidovudine-induced anemia in an HIV-positive man

Case report

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Authors: Kathir Yoganathan, Michael Austin

Published Date March 2008 Volume 2008:2(1) Pages 237 - 239

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S2449

Kathir Yoganathan¹, Michael Austin²

¹Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine, ²Department of Ophthalmology, Singleton Hospital, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 8QA, UK

Abstract: Opportunistic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is common in severely immunocompromised HIV-positive patients. The retina is the commonest site of involvement with hemorrhages a prominent feature. CMV retinitis affects 40% of HIV positive patients who have CD4 count of less than 100 cell/mm³, and in these circumstances clinicians are likely to consider commencing anti-CMV therapy without considering other causes. We report a man with HIV who developed bilateral retinal hemorrhages and ischemic maculopathy in association with zidovudine (AZT)-induced anemia. Retinal hemorrhages resolved following blood transfusion.

Keywords: Ischemic maculopathy, retinal hemorrhages, anemia, zidovudine, HIV

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