Cytomegalovirus Keratouveitis: Charted and Uncharted Territory

Ocular Microbiology and Immunology (B Jeng and L Schocket, Section Editors)
First Online:
Part of the following topical collections:
  1. Topical Collection on Ocular Microbiology and Immunology

Abstract

Purpose of Review

This report provides an overview of the current understanding of cytomegalovirus (CMV) keratouveitis: pathophysiology, clinical features, management, and gaps in knowledge.

Recent Findings

The wide availability of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of ocular fluid has demonstrated that CMV is an important cause of keratouveitis. PCR has more recently been used to offer a microbiologic indicator (viral load), which has the potential to be correlated to clinical severity and corneal endothelial cell density. This knowledge may be used to help guide management of this chronic disease.

Summary

Overlapping clinical features of viral keratouveitis, such as ocular hypertension and keratic precipitates, present a challenge in distinguishing CMV from other viral etiologies. Important findings suggestive of CMV include “coin-shaped” precipitates and diffuse iris atrophy. Definitive diagnosis requires identifying CMV using molecular testing. While multiple treatment options appear effective in controlling flares, one challenge is preventing long-term morbidity associated with recurrent inflammation. Thus, further studies on CMV keratouveitis are warranted to understand the relationship between viral burden, clinical features, and the most appropriate antiviral therapy.

Keywords

Cytomegalovirus uveitis Cytomegalovirus anterior uveitis Cytomegalovirus endotheliitis Cytomegalovirus keratouveitis Viral uveitis 
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Notes

Compliance with Ethical Standards

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Francis I. Proctor FoundationUniversity of California, San FranciscoSan FranciscoUSA
  2. 2.Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoUSA

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