Retinal microvasculopathy in human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV)-infected children

Purpose: To report two cases of retinal peripheral lesions in vertically HI V-infected children. Methods: Complete ophthalmological examinations were p erformed in both cases over a period of four years. Results: We found retin al peripheral lesions in four eyes of two patients who were referred to us for routine examination. Both cases showed focal, segmental and white patch es around the vessel wall in the far periphery and at the equator. These fi ndings hardly changed after 3.5 and 2.5 years of follow-up, respectively. W e suppose the cause of these lesions is an immune-mediated reaction. Conclu sions: Even although there is a low incidence of retinal alterations in ped iatric patients infected by HIV, we believe that complete and systematic op hthalmic examinations should be performed in these children.