Effectiveness of entoptic perimetry for locating peripheral scotomas caused by cytomegalovirus retinitis
D. J. Plummer, J. F. Arevalo, N. Fram, J. I. Quiceno, P. A. Sample and W. R. Freeman
Shiley Eye Center, Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, USA.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the the effectiveness of random particle motion,
presented on a computer monitor, as a noninvasive test for detecting
cytomegalovirus retinitis. DESIGN: A prospective masked study in which
patients were asked to trace out any disturbances on a transparency placed
over a computer monitor that displayed continuous random particle motion,
while the patient fixated on a central spot (entoptic perimetry). SETTING:
The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Ocular Research Unit at the
University of California, San Diego, in La Jolla. PATIENTS: Twenty-two men
with cytomegalovirus retinitis who were positive for human immunodeficiency
virus, 11 men without cytomegalovirus retinitis who were positive for human
immunodeficiency virus, and eight men who were negative for human
immunodeficiency virus. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivities and
specificities were used to compare the results of entoptic perimetry with
fundus photographs. RESULTS: Entoptic perimetry demonstrated a 95%
sensitivity and a 95% specificity in detection of cytomegalovirus
retinitis. CONCLUSION: Entoptic perimetry may be an effective and
inexpensive screening test for cytomegalovirus retinitis in hospitals and
community clinics.
