Cytomegalovirus Retinitis: A Rare but Preventable Cause of Blindness in Dermatology Patients

Abstract

Dermatologists are using an increasing range of immunomodulatory therapies to treat an expanding number of skin diseases. Complications of therapy are broad and include infection. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis has not been reported in association with dermatologic disease. We report two cases of CMV retinitis associated with immunosuppression for eczema and pemphigus vulgaris. In both cases, patients were receiving corticosteroid and a second-line immunosuppressive agent (cyclosporine or mycophenolate mofetil). Disease presented in both patients with painless visual loss. Patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy should be monitored for blurred vision, floaters, or visual loss and referred for urgent assessment to ensure accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of possible CMV retinitis.