The Effect of Topical Ganciclovir and Corticosteroid on Cytomegalovirus Corneal Endotheliitis in Korean Patients

Purpose: To report long-term outcomes of topical ganciclovir (GCV) and corticosteroids in Korean patients with cytomegalovirus (CMV) corneal endotheliitis. Methods: This retrospective study included 13 eyes from 13 patients with CMV corneal endotheliitis, with a follow-up period of 24.5 ± 8.2 months. The patients were consistently maintained with topical 2% GCV and 1% prednisolone acetate eyedrop. Results: All patients demonstrated unilateral typical coin-shaped keratic precipitates (KPs) or linear KP, and positive CMV polymerase chain reaction of aqueous humor. After 2 weeks of treatment, all patients showed decrease of clinical signs. During the follow-up, four patients developed mild anterior chamber inflammation with increased intraocular pressure without typical coin-shaped KPs or edema, started to use the initial dose, and resolved the clinical signs. One patient showed recurrence of corneal edema twice, and was administered systemic valgancyclovir for 2 weeks upon second recurrence with resolution of clinical signs. Conclusion: Long-term maintenance therapy with topical GCV and corticosteroids are effective and maintain corneal endothelial function in Korean patients with CMV endotheliitis.