Cytomegalovirus immunoglobulin therapy for CMV retinitis post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Purpose To report a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis complicated with ganciclovir-related myelosuppression, which was successfully managed with intravenous (IV) ganciclovir and CMV immunoglobulin (CMVIG) therapy. Methods Observational case report. Results A 51-year-old male with follicular type non-Hodgkin lymphoma post hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) developed vision-threatening retinitis. polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the aqueous humour showed positive for CMV. Despite myelosuppression occurred during IV ganciclovir therapy, the retinitis resolved and intraocular CMV viral load significantly improved after CMVIG therapy. Conclusion Combined IV ganciclovir treatment and CMVIG therapy can significantly improve visual outcome and reduce intraocular CMV viral load in vision-threatening CMV retinitis.