Cytomegalovirus retinitis after treatment with lenalidomide for multiple myeloma

To describe a case of cytomegalovirus retinitis in a patient after treatment with lenalidomide, a novel therapy in the treatment of multiple myeloma.

Descriptive case report of a 67-year-old man on Lenalidomide maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma, who presented with unilateral painless blurring of vision because of retinitis.

Polymerase chain reaction of the vitreous sampling confirmed cytomegalovirus retinitis, although the patient's serum polymerase chain reaction was negative for cytomegalovirus. The patient was treated with ganciclovir with good effect.

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is rare in immunocompetent patients and not commonly reported in myeloma patients. Given the increasing use of novel therapies such as Lenalidomide, unusual infections such as cytomegalovirus retinitis should be considered in patients with visual symptoms, even if they are considered to be immune competent at presentation.