Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science

Original article

Ophthalmology
Efficacy of high-dose vs. low-dose intravitreal ganciclovir for cytomegalovirus retinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis: Seongyong Jeong, Areum Jeong, Jae Rock Do, Yong Koo Kang, Min Sagong; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2026;43:13. Published online January 14, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2026.43.13

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Abstract PDF: Background
Intravitreal ganciclovir is widely used to achieve effective local antiviral concentrations for cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis; however, to our knowledge, standardized dosing strategies have not been established, and the reported regimens vary considerably across studies. In this study, we evaluated dose-dependent treatment outcomes of intravitreal ganciclovir for CMV retinitis.
Methods
The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched through November 2025. Eligible studies included intravitreal ganciclovir monotherapy, with or without systemic antiviral therapy. Cumulative first-week intravitreal dose was calculated and classified as low dose (<4,000 μg) or high dose (≥4,000 μg). The pooled proportions for resolution, visual outcomes, recurrence, and retinal detachment were estimated using a random-effects model.
Results
Eighteen studies comprising 1132 eyes were included across all outcomes. The pooled proportion of anatomical resolution was 89% (95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.95), and 74% of eyes maintained stable or improved vision. Recurrence and retinal detachment occurred in 12% and 9% of the eyes, respectively. High-dose regimens achieved a significantly higher resolution than low-dose regimens (94% vs. 73%, p=0.019). Visual outcomes did not differ according to dose (77% vs. 73%, p=0.646). Recurrence also showed no dose-dependent difference (14% vs. 8%, p=0.654) and was observed predominantly in patients before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy. The retinal detachment rates were similar (9% vs. 10%, p=0.780).
Conclusion
Initial intravitreal dosing at ≥4,000 μg within the first week achieved better retinitis resolution, supporting the benefit of a higher local ganciclovir concentration in the treatment of CMV retinitis.

Case report

Ophthalmology
Cytomegalovirus retinitis with panretinal occlusive vasculopathy concealed by hypertensive uveitis: a case report: Seongyong Jeong; J Yeungnam Med Sci. 2024;41(4):300-305. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12701/jyms.2024.00584

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Abstract PDF: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a rare disease, and overlapping manifestations involving the anterior segment are extremely uncommon. We report a patient who initially presented with persistent corneal edema and was later diagnosed with CMV retinitis. A 72-year-old man with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) in his right eye visited a tertiary hospital. At initial presentation, the IOP was 36 mmHg and the fundus was not clear due to corneal edema. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM). Panretinal obstructive vasculopathy was observed on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography. Three weeks later, trabeculectomy was performed to resolve the persistently high IOP. Once corneal edema improved, a white patch-like peripheral lesion and silver wire-like retinal vasculature were observed. Polymerase chain reaction of the aqueous humor was positive for CMV. Oral valganciclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir were administered as antiviral therapies. Despite treatment for 4 months, the final visual acuity was no light perception, with persistent corneal edema and neovascularization of the iris. We describe a rare case of the simultaneous occurrence of hypertensive uveitis and CMV retinitis. The presence of PAMM could be an initial identifiable sign of CMV retinitis, even in the presence of media opacity.

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