International Ophthalmology

, 29:431 | Cite as

Retinal pigment epithelium detachment associated with vitreomacular traction syndrome—case report

Case Report
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

Purpose To report the unusual association of vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT) with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) detachment and describe the outcomes of successful surgery. Methods An 84-year-old man was referred with 6-month history of blurred vision in his RE. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was “counting fingers.” Slit-lamp examination revealed VMT overlying a RPE detachment. The above findings were confirmed by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Pars plana vitrectomy and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling were performed. OCT was carried out at 3, 6, 9, and 11 months postoperatively. Results Eight weeks postoperatively BCVA improved to 6/60. Slit-lamp examination and OCT showed relief of the vitreomacular traction, however the underlying RPE detachment remained unchanged and progressively regressed during the following 11 months. Visual acuity did not improve above 6/36 at the last follow-up visit. Conclusion Retinal pigment epithelium detachment could be associated with VMT. Although the incidence is rare, it may compromise the outcomes of successful surgery.

Keywords

Vitreomacular traction syndrome Retinal pigment epithelium detachment Optical coherence tomography 
This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access.

References

  1. 1.
    Smiddy WE, Michels RG, Green WR (1990) Morphology, pathology, and surgery of idiopathic vitreoretinal macular disorders. A review. Retina 10:288–296PubMedGoogle Scholar
  2. 2.
    McDonald HR, Johnson RN, Schatz H (1994) Surgical results in the vitreomacular traction syndrome. Ophthalmology 101:1397–1402 discussion 1403PubMedGoogle Scholar
  3. 3.
    Munuera JM, Garcia-Layana A, Maldonado MJ et al (1998) Optical coherence tomography in successful surgery of vitreomacular traction syndrome. Arch Ophthalmol 116:1388–1389PubMedGoogle Scholar
  4. 4.
    Uchino E, Uemura A, Doi N et al (2001) Postsurgical evaluation of idiopathic vitreomacular traction syndrome by optical coherence tomography. Am J Ophthalmol 132:122–123. doi: 10.1016/S0002-9394(00)00957-0 PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  5. 5.
    Melberg NS, Williams DF, Balles MW et al (1995) Vitrectomy for vitreomacular traction syndrome with macular detachment. Retina 15:192–197. doi: 10.1097/00006982-199515030-00002 PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  6. 6.
    Hikichi T, Yoshida A, Trempe CL (1995) Course of vitreomacular traction syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 119:55–61PubMedGoogle Scholar
  7. 7.
    Koerner F, Garweg J (1999) Diseases of the vitreo-macular interface. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd 214:305–310PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  8. 8.
    Meyer CH, Toth CA (2001) Retinal pigment epithelial tear with vitreomacular attachment: a novel pathogenic feature. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 239:325–333. doi: 10.1007/s004170100259 PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  9. 9.
    Koerner F, Garweg J (1999) Vitrectomy for macular pucker and vitreomacular traction syndrome. Doc Ophthalmol 97:449–458. doi: 10.1023/A:1002412323399 PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  10. 10.
    Yamada N, Kishi S (2005) Tomographic features and surgical outcomes of vitreomacular traction syndrome. Am J Ophthalmol 139:112–117. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2004.08.055 PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar
  11. 11.
    Larsson J (2004) Vitrectomy in vitreomacular traction syndrome evaluated by ocular coherence tomography (OCT) retinal mapping. Acta Ophthalmol Scand 82:691–694. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0420.2004.00344.x PubMedCrossRefGoogle Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Moorfields Eye HospitalLondonUK

Personalised recommendations