Cytomegalovirus Retinitis Complicated With Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment in a Non-HIV Patient With Pure Red Cell Aplasia

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. It can cause CMV retinitis, an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. This is a sight-threatening condition that can be further complicated by rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). In this case report, we described a 57-year-old gentleman with underlying pure red cell aplasia on ciclosporin who presented with blurred vision in both eyes. The retinal findings showed frosted branch angiitis, granular appearance, and scattered retinal hemorrhages. Confirmation of CMV retinitis was done using polymerase chain reaction of the vitreous sample and CMV serum serology. The patient was treated with intravenous ganciclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir in the right eye. He developed CMV-related RRD in the left eye, for which he underwent retinal detachment surgery with a good anatomical outcome, but developed a significant cataract. Early recognition and treatment of CMV retinitis can improve visual outcomes. Physicians and patients on any form of immunosuppression should be familiar with the symptoms of CMV retinitis and retinal detachment.