Transient visual loss due to severe anemia in a patient with AIDS.
We present a case of a patient with AIDS who developed a profound anemia caused by zidovudine, an important antiretroviral drug. In the setting of concurrent cytomegalovirus retinitis, the anemia produced transient visual loss that resolved with transfusion of red blood cells. Withdrawal of zidovudine resulted in a stable hemoglobin. This case describes an unusual manifestation of severe anemia. Anemia itself is a very common complication of treatment with zidovudine, one of the most commonly used agents in the treatment of AIDS. The relationship of profound anemia to transient visual loss and the role played by zidovudine in anemia in AIDS patients are discussed.
Luchi
M
M
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, USA.
Warren
K A
KA
Saberhagen
C
C
Hinthorn
D
D
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017726:Cytomegalovirus Retinitis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D012171:Retinal Vessels; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000209:etiology*; D015215:Zidovudine / Q000009:adverse effects*
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents; D015215:Zidovudine