Cytomegalovirus retinitis treated with ganciclovir in a renal transplant recipient

Cytomegalovirus retinitis is an opportunistic and vision-threatening disease in immunosuppressed patients. Currently available antiviral agents have been unsuccessful in halting its progression. We report a case of cytomegalovirus retinitis which occurred 6 months after renal transplantation and was successfully treated with an investigational drug, ganciclovir (DHPG [Dihydroxy propoxymethyl guanine], Cytovene, BW-B759U), via intravenous administration, with resolution of active retinal lesions and the cessation of cytomegalovirus shedding in the urine. There was neither a recurrence of cytomegalovirus retinitis nor an occurrence of retinal detachment during the 9-month follow-up after intravenous ganciclovir therapy.