Optic disk neovascularization in a patient with cytomegalovirus retinitis associated with renal transplantation.
OBJECTIVE
To report the development of optic nerve head neovascularization during the recovery phase of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in a renal allograft recipient.


METHODS
A 46-year-old male renal allograft recipient developed CMV retinitis seven months after transplantation. At the time of the diagnosis, the patient was being immunosuppressed with prednisone, cyclosporine, and azathioprine, and was treated with repeated intravitreal and intravenous ganciclovir. Six weeks after the initiation of therapy, optic disk neovascularization developed. This was confirmed by fluorescein angiography, which showed no areas of retinal capillary nonperfusion. At this stage, active retinal lesions were partially resolved. Apart from intraocular inflammation, no other cause of neovascularization was detected. Over the following six months, optic disk neovascularization regressed spontaneously without causing vitreous hemorrhage or visual loss. There was no recurrence of CMV retinitis during follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Optic disk neovascularization may develop in the healing phase of CMV retinitis in renal transplant recipients.
Akova
Y A
YA
Department of Ophthalmology, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine, Bahçelievler, Ankara, Turkey. mao8-k@tr-net.net.tr
Yilmaz
G
G
Aydin
P
P
Bilgin
N
N
Haberal
M
M
D003586:Cytomegalovirus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D015774:Ganciclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007267:Injections; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009389:Neovascularization, Pathologic / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D009898:Optic Disk / Q000098:blood supply*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012173:Retinitis / Q000821:virology*; D014822:Vitreous Body
D015774:Ganciclovir