Cytomegalovirus retinitis in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis

Cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) is a rare complication of systemic immunos uppressive therapy in patients with rheumatic disorders, We describe a 44-y ear-old man with Wegener's granulomatosis who was treated with cyclophospha mide and methylprednisolone and who subsequently developed bilateral CMVR, In spite of dis continuation of immunosuppressive therapy and administratio n of systemic ganciclovir, retinitis recurred and maintenance therapy was n eeded, In conclusion, increased awareness of this potentially serious compl ication of immunosuppressive therapy is critical, If immune recovery is slo w after discontinuation of immunosuppressive agents, prolonged antiviral th erapy is required in order to prevent recurrences of CMVR. Copyright (C) 20 00 S. Karger AG, Basel.