Fibrovascular changes misdiagnosed as cytomegalovirus retinitis reactivation in a patient with immune recovery.

A patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis developed immune recovery uveitis as a result of receipt of highly active antiretroviral therapy. Fibrovascular changes occurred in the CMV retinitis scar, were misdiagnosed as CMV retinitis reactivation, and were treated with anti-CMV medication. Fibrovascular membranes can be misdiagnosed as reactivated CMV retinitis, and a proper diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary therapy with potentially toxic antiviral medications.