Iritis associated with intravenous cidofovir

OBJECTIVE: To report two patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus retinitis who developed iritis after receiving intravenous cidofovir. Both experienced recurrent symptoms upon rechallenge. CASE SUMMARIES: Two HIV-positive patients with cytomegalovirus retinitis infections previously controlled with intravenous ganciclovir or foscarnet were treated with intravenous cidofovir. Symptoms of iritis developed after the second or third dose of cidofovir. One patient experienced symptoms unilaterally, while the other patient had bilateral symptoms. In both patients, the iritis resolved with topical ophthalmic therapy, but recurred following subsequent infusions of cidofovir. Therapy with cidofovir was discontinued, and no further recurrences of iritis were noted. One patient had post-inflammatory fixed dilated pupils. CONCLUSIONS: Iritis can uncommonly occur in patients receiving intravenous cidofovir and oral probenecid. With prompt drug discontinuation and administration of topical corticosteroids and/or mydriatic agents, symptoms are usually reversible.