Macular dual retinitis with Herpes simplex and Cytomegalovirus following periocular corticosteroid in a patient of Pemphigus Vulgaris

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis may occur in non-HIV individuals following systemic immunosuppressive treatment or periocular corticosteroid administration. However, simultaneous multiple viral retinitis is rare in HIV-negative individuals. We report a case of dual viral retinitis in a non-HIV female on systemic immunosuppressive for pemphigus vulgaris who was administered a periocular corticosteroid injection. Method A 32-year-old female on double immunosuppressive therapy (prednisolone and cyclophosphamide) for pemphigus vulgaris, presented with gradual painless diminution of vision in the right eye for one month. She was initially diagnosed to have possible autoimmune neuroretinitis by the referring ophthalmologist and received a single injection of posterior subtenon triamcinolone acetonide for the same. Her vision however deteriorated further and she received an intravitreal ganciclovir injection with a revised diagnosis of CMV retinitis. Due to suboptimal response she was referred to us. Aqueous Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) revealed dual positivity for CMV and Herpes simplex virus. She was successfully managed with intravitreal ganciclovir injections, systemic acyclovir and tapering of systemic immunosuppressive drugs. Result The retinitis lesions resolved gradually leaving behind a pale optic disc and foveal atrophy at 12 weeks follow-up. Conclusion Infective etiology must be ruled out in immunosuppressed patients before considering periocular corticosteroids. Dual viral involvement, although rare, may cause fulminant retinitis in predisposed individuals. High index of suspicion and PCR from ocular fluids should be performed at the earliest in patients with atypical or poorly responding retinitis lesions.

Automated summary

In non-HIV individuals, simultaneous multiple viral retinitis is rare but can occur following immunosuppressive treatment and periocular corticosteroid administration. This case report highlights the importance of ruling out infectious etiology before considering periocular corticosteroids and the potential for fulminant retinitis in predisposed individuals.