Fluocinolone Acetonide Implant (Retisert) for Chronic Cystoid Macular Edema in Two Patients with AIDS and a History of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis

Purpose: To report the authors' experience using fluocinolone acetonide (Retisert) to treat cystoid macular edema (CME) resulting from immune recovery uveitis (IRU) in 2 acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with a history of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis. Design: Interventional case series. Methods: Medical records were reviewed of 2 patients who received Retisert implantation in 3 eyes for IRU-associated inflammation and CME. Suppression of CMV disease was achieved with oral medication in one patient and with simultaneous implantation of a ganciclovir implant in the other patient. Results: After Retisert implantation in 3 eyes in AIDS patients on HAART, improvement in CME was seen in 2 eyes. No CMV reactivation was detected during the several-month follow-up period. Conclusions: Retisert may be an effective treatment for CME in AIDS patients with IRU reactivation and a history of CMV retinitis.