Reactions 1342 - 12 Mar 2011

SAntineoplastics

Cytomegalovirus retinitis: case reportA 50-year-old man experienced vision changes during

cycle 4a of chemotherapy with rituximab plushyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine,doxorubicin and dexamethasone [R-hyperCVAD; route,dosage and time to reaction onset not stated] for T-celllymphoblastic leukaemia. He was also receivingciprofloxacin, fluconazole and aciclovir. As cytarabinetoxicity was thought to be a possible cause,dexamethasone eye drops were administered, with noimprovement in his vision. The visual changes worsenedwith blurring and black spots in the visual field. Areas ofnecrotising retinitis and intraretinal haemorrhages wererevealed in both eyes on ophthalmologic examination.Cytomegalovirus retinitis was diagnosed. He receivedvalganciclovir and in a few weeks the retinitis resolved andthe visual symptoms improved.Libby E, et al. Cytomegalovirus retinitis during chemotherapy with rituximab plushyperfractionated cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone.Journal of Clinical Oncology 28: e661-2, No. 32, 10 Nov 2010 - USA 803050598

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Reactions 12 Mar 2011 No. 13420114-9954/10/1342-0001/$14.95 © 2010 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved