CMV retinitis is most commonly associated with which scenario?

CMV retinitis is most commonly associated with which scenario?

• A. Neonates with jaundice
• B. Healthy adults
• C. Elderly with arthritis
• D. Immunocompromised individuals, especially those with AIDS

Answer: (D)

CMV retinitis occurs when cell-mediated immunity is severely impaired, allowing cytomegalovirus to reactivate and invade the retina. The scenario most strongly linked to this is an immunocompromised patient, especially someone with AIDS and very low CD4 counts. In that setting, CMV causes necrotizing retinitis with characteristic retinal whitening and hemorrhages—often described as a “pizza pie” appearance—and can progress to vision loss if not treated. Neonatal jaundice can accompany congenital CMV but retinitis is not the typical presentation in that context; healthy adults or elderly individuals without significant immunosuppression are not commonly affected.

CMV retinitis occurs when cell-mediated immunity is severely impaired, allowing cytomegalovirus to reactivate and invade the retina. The scenario most strongly linked to this is an immunocompromised patient, especially someone with AIDS and very low CD4 counts. In that setting, CMV causes necrotizing retinitis with characteristic retinal whitening and hemorrhages—often described as a “pizza pie” appearance—and can progress to vision loss if not treated. Neonatal jaundice can accompany congenital CMV but retinitis is not the typical presentation in that context; healthy adults or elderly individuals without significant immunosuppression are not commonly affected.