Cytomegalovirus retinitis, in a diabetic immunocompetent patient, after intravitreal ranibizumab injection

Abstract

We here report a case of cytomegalovirus retinitis in a diabetic patient that occurred after intravitreal ranibizumab injection. A 75-year-old woman was treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections for diabetic macular edema. During this period, a retinitis occurred in her left eye along with increased IgG and later IgM cytomegalovirus antibody titers. Ocular and intravenous ganciclovir was administered. Cytomegalovirus retinitis subsided post treatment with residual areas of retinal atrophy. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the incidence of cytomegalovirus retinitis, in diabetic patients, after ranibizumab injection.

Long-term prophylaxis in an immunocompetent patient with Cytomegalovirus retinitis: a case report and review of literature

“…Also,Witmer et al [7] reported this condition after the administration of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in an immunocompetent old woman. The interesting point is available reports of CMVR after intravitreal injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs) like bevacizumab [4,6]. Although the immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroids may justify the occurrence of this condition, anti-VEGF drugs have not this property.…”