Saturday, February, 11, 2012

CMV retinitis

Table of Contents

Definition

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a viral inflammation of the retina of the eye.


Alternative Names

CMV retinitis


Causes, incidence, and risk factors

CMV retinitis is caused by a member of a group of herpes-type viruses. CMV is very common. Most people are exposed to CMV in their lifetime, but typically only those with weakened immune systems become ill from CMV infection. Serious CMV infections can occur in people who have weakened immune systems due to:

  • AIDS
  • Bone marrow transplant
  • Chemotherapy
  • Drugs that suppress the immune system
  • Organ transplant


Review Date: 12/01/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)