USE OF THE GANCICLOVIR IMPLANT FOR TREATING CYTOMEGALOVIRUS RETINITISSECONDARY TO IMMUNOSUPPRESSION AFTER BONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION

PURPOSE: To report a case in which we treated cytomegalovirus retiniti s using an intravitreal ganciclovir sustained-release device in a pati ent negative for the human immunodeficiency virus, with a history of m yeloproliferative syndrome with myelofibrosis and profound immunosuppr ession after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. METHODS: Case rep ort. Review of medical records and fundus photographs. RESULTS: After the ganciclovir device was implanted, the cytomegalovirus retinitis di d not progress, and visual acuity improved, We removed the device 9 mo nths after implantation. CONCLUSIONS: The;ganciclovir sustained-releas e device may be useful for treating cytomegalovirus retinitis in patie nts without the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who are profoundly immunosuppressed and fail conventional intravenous therapy, If immune suppression is of limited duration, the device can be removed.