# Combined Cytomegalovirus Retinitis and Vitreous Hemorrhage in an Immunocompromised Patient

## TL;DR

This case study highlights a rare combination of CMV retinitis and vitreous hemorrhage in an HIV patient, emphasizing the need for careful diagnosis to avoid treatment delays.

## Contribution

The paper presents a novel case highlighting the importance of considering concurrent infectious retinitis in immunocompromised patients with vitreous hemorrhage.

## Key findings

- A 38-year-old HIV patient presented with vitreous hemorrhage and preretinal hemorrhage linked to CMV retinitis.
- The case emphasizes that vitreous hemorrhage in immunocompromised individuals may not be solely due to ischemic vasculitis.
- Combined CMV retinitis and vasculitis was diagnosed and treated after initial treatment failure.

## Abstract

Purpose: This study is aimed at describing a case of combined CMV retinitis and vitreous hemorrhage in an immunocompromised patient.

Observations: A 38-year-old male who is known to have HIV presented to our emergency department complaining of decreasing vision in his left eye. Vitreous hemorrhage and preretinal hemorrhage were observed upon examination and were thought to be caused by CMV retinitis. After initial treatment and worsening condition upon follow-up, a diagnosis of combined CMV retinitis and vasculitis was considered and was treated accordingly.

Conclusions: The presence of vitreous hemorrhage in immunocompromised patients should not be attributed to just an ischemic vasculitis alone, and the possibility of concurrent infectious retinitis should be looked for carefully to avoid delay in treatment.