What are the typical findings in CMV retinitis?

In the context of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis, the typical findings include yellow-white retinal patches and hemorrhages. CMV retinitis is commonly associated with immunocompromised states, such as in individuals with HIV/AIDS.

The yellow-white patches correspond to areas of necrosis in the retinal tissue, where the virus has caused damage. These are often referred to as "cotton wool spots," although they can also present more distinctly as areas of retinal whitening. Hemorrhages often appear as splinter-like or dot-and-blot varieties, resulting from the destruction of retinal blood vessels and subsequent leakage. The presence of these findings is a hallmark for diagnosing CMV retinitis in the context of an immunosuppressed patient.

While other findings in different retinal diseases may overlap with the options provided, such as flame-shaped retinal hemorrhages being associated with hypertension or diabetes, they are not indicative of CMV retinitis. Serous retinal detachments may occur in various retinal pathologies but are not a primary feature of CMV retinitis. Similarly, optic disc edema and papilledema are more related to other conditions that elevate intracranial pressure rather than CMV specifically.