Removal of silicone oil with vision improvement after rhegmatogenous retinal detachment following CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To report that silicone oil may be safely removed from immuno-recovered patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) after instillation for cytomegalovirus (CMV)-related rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

METHOD:

We report two patients with CMV-related retinal detachment who had previously been treated with vitrectomy and silicone oil.

RESULTS:

Six months after removal of silicone oil, the retina remained attached in both patients. Without specific anti-CMV therapy, there was no relapse of CMV retinitis while patients were undergoing highly active antiretroviral therapy. Best-corrected visual acuity improved in both patients.

CONCLUSION:

It appears to be possible to remove silicone oil safely from patients with AIDS who show immune recovery, thus avoiding side effects of long-standing silicone oil and increasing quality of life. After silicone oil removal, visual acuity was improved.