Intraocular crystals in HIV-related hypergammaglobulinemia.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the occurrence of bilateral iris and retinal crystals in a patient with benign HIV-related gammopathy.


METHODS
Observational case report.


METHODS
A 45-year-old HIV-positive male with a known, benign hypergammaglobulinemia was referred for routine ophthalmic assessment because of right ophthalmic zoster.


RESULTS
Ophthalmoscopic examination revealed the presence of bilateral, multiple, refractile iris and macular crystals. No other signs of uveitis or stigmata of HIV were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Intraocular crystals are a rare finding, usually seen in chronic uveitis with or without hypergammaglobulinemia. This finding has not been previously described in non-inflamed eyes, nor as an ocular manifestation of HIV. We hypothesize that HIV-related disruption of the blood-aqueous and blood-retinal barriers allows intraocular immunoglobulin deposition in patients with hypergammaglobulinemia.
Traill
Andrew
A
The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
Zamir
Ehud
E
Russell
Darren
D
D003460:Crystallization; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006678:HIV; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006942:Hypergammaglobulinemia / Q000150:complications*; D007498:Iris / Q000473:pathology*; D007499:Iris Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology