Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in an Immunocompromised Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE: To describe a case of bilateral cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVR) in an immunocompromised infant. METHODS: A 4-month-old male infant with severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome was examined for the presence of CMVR. Ocular involvement was recorded and monitored by digital imaging. RESULTS: The child had bilateral CMVR, with a fine granular pattern, present both in the peripheral retina and posterior pole. There was no vitritis. The active areas of retinitis progressively resolved with intravenous ganciclovir treatment. At the 3-month follow-up examination, no recurrence was observed. CONCLUSION: Ganciclovir treatment was effective in this case. The prognosis depends on rapid institution of effective antiviral therapy and on a patient's systemic immunocompetence.