HIV-related ocular microangiopathic syndrome and cognitive functioning

A reduction in cognitive function may occur in patients with severe HIV infection or AIDS who have ocular microangiopathic syndrome, an eye disease often found in AIDS patients. Among 37 individuals infected with HIV who had an ophthalmological and neuropsychological examination, 24 had AIDS. Fifteen patients with AIDS and one patient with severe HIV infection had ocular microangiopathic syndrome. Both eyes were affected by ocular microangiopathic syndrome in six patients, and one eye was affected in 10 patients. Seventeen patients had reduced cognitive function. A significant association was found between the development of ocular microangiopathic syndrome and reduced cognitive function, especially in short-term memory.