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Updated: Jul 31, 2026
05:37
Intravitreous Injection for Establishing Ocular Diseases Model
Published on: October 1, 2007
Intravitreal ganciclovir in CMV retinitis: case report
1St Stephen's Hospital, London.
The British Journal of Ophthalmology
|May 1, 1989
Summary
Intravitreal ganciclovir successfully treated cytomegalovirus retinitis in an AIDS patient when IV therapy failed. However, prolonged treatment led to endophthalmitis in the affected eye.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Infectious Diseases
- Retinal Diseases
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a significant opportunistic infection in individuals with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Systemic ganciclovir is a primary treatment for CMV retinitis, but intravenous administration can be limited by toxicity.
- Intravitreal drug delivery offers a localized treatment option for ocular infections.
Observation:
- A 35-year-old male with established AIDS presented with CMV retinitis.
- Intravenous ganciclovir treatment was discontinued due to adverse effects.
- The patient received successful treatment via intravitreal injections of ganciclovir in one eye.
Findings:
- Intravitreal ganciclovir achieved successful control of CMV retinitis.
- Prolonged intravitreal treatment (15 weeks) in the affected eye ultimately resulted in the development of endophthalmitis.
- This case highlights a potential complication of long-term intravitreal therapy for CMV retinitis.
Implications:
- Intravitreal ganciclovir can be an effective alternative for CMV retinitis when systemic therapy is not feasible.
- Close monitoring for complications such as endophthalmitis is crucial during extended intravitreal treatment regimens.
- This case underscores the need for careful risk-benefit assessment in managing ocular infections in immunocompromised patients.
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