Intravitreal ganciclovir treatment in progressive outer retinal necrosis.

PURPOSE: To report two patients with progressive outer retinal necrosis, which is presumed to be caused by the varicella-zoster virus in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

METHOD: Case report.

RESULTS

The patients were treated with intravenous foscarnet, 60 mg per kg of body weight three times per week, without response. Remission of retinal necrosis occurred with the commencement of intravitreal ganciclovir treatment, 400 mg two times per week. Laser photocoagulation was performed in both cases. Neither patient developed retinal detachment.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravitreal ganciclovir treatment combined with systemic antiviral agent therapy in patients with progressive outer retinal necrosis may delay progress of the disease. Early photocoagulation may prevent the development of retinal detachment if retinal necrosis is controlled.