Cytomegalovirus retinitis and FK 506

PURPOSE: To report a case of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in a patient immunosuppressed with FK 506. DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: Retrospective institutional study. One patient, diagnosed with bilateral CMV retinitis while on immunosuppressive treatment with FK 506, received systemic ganciclovir and intravitreal, slow,release ganciclovir implant in one eye, combined with reduction in FK 506 dose. Main outcome measures were visual acuity and regression of CMV retinitis. RESULTS: Visual acuity at presentation was 20/20 in the right eye and 20/50 in the left eye. During the 6 months of follow-up, there was no change in visual acuity in either eye. The areas of CMV retinitis demonstrated progressive regression, leaving diffuse retinal atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Cytomegalovirus retinitis can be a sight, threatening complication of immunosuppressive treatment with FK 506. Ganciclovir treatment together with a reduction in FK 506 dose was effective in preserving vision.