Cytomegalovirus Anterior Uveitis

Overview

Aim: The aim of the article is to summarize observations on cytomegalovirus (CMV) anterior uveitis, and in short case reports present cases of patients treated at our Department of Ophthalmology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague.

Material and methods: Retrospective analysis of patients at the Centre for diagnosis and treatment of uveitis from 2003 to 2024. Presentation of our experiences with CMV anterior uveitis confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in aqueous humor in case reports.

Results: From a cohort of 3844 patients with uveitis, 3 patients were diagnosed with CMV anterior uveitis, confirmed by PCR in the aqueous humor. The clinical presentation was as acute recurrent hypertensive anterior uveitis in all patients, with a switch to chronic form with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Despite local anti-inflammatory and antiglaucomatous therapy, there was high recurrence of uveitis with decompensation of IOP when the medication was reduced. Patients underwent antiglaucoma surgery because of persistent high IOP despite maximal local antiglaucomatous therapy. An anterior chamber tap was taken for PCR analysis, with a CMV-positive result. After the initiation of antiviral therapy with local ganciclovir, patients manifested compensated IOP and a pronounced reduction of recurrences of uveitis and progression of glaucoma.

Conclusions: CMV anterior uveitis is a rare pathology in our geographic region, but it is important to consider this etiology in cases of recurrent anterior hypertensive uveitis with a low response to local anti-inflammatory medication. Timely verification of the etiological agent with prompt diagnosis and treatment is essential in order to achieve a favorable prognosis. Long-term, low maintenance doses of antiviral therapy with local ganciclovir for several months reduce relapses of uveitis and lead to compensation of IOP.

Keywords:

secondary glaucoma – cytomegalovirus – anterior uveitis – ganciclovir