CYTOMEGALOVIRUS RETINITIS AFTER AN INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT IN AN IMMUNOCOMPETENT PATIENT.

PURPOSE: To present the case of a 71-year-old woman who developed cytomegalovirus retinitis after the administration of an intravitreal dexamethasone implant in an immunocompetent patient. METHODS: Retrospective case report. PATIENTS: Single patient with a diagnosis of cytomegalovirus retinitis associated with the intravitreal dexamethasone implant. RESULTS: The patient developed cytomegalovirus retinitis three months after an intravitreal injection of a dexamethasone implant for macular edema. The patient had no history of poor immune function and was not taking immunosuppressive medications. CONCLUSION: Cytomegalovirus retinitis has been associated with local steroid therapy. This has been described in both immunocompromised and immunocompetent patients. The intravitreal dexamethasone implant may cause local immunosuppression and result in cytomegalovirus retinitis in immunocompetent patients.