A Case of Secondary Epiretinal Membrane Spontaneous Release

Abstract

Purpose. To report a rare case of secondary epiretinal membrane (ERM) spontaneous separation with subsequent visual restoration. Case Summary. We are reporting a case with the history of branch retinal vein occlusion, peripheral retinal neovascularization, and retinal photocoagulation. Our examination revealed secondary ERM associated with relatively high visual acuity (0.6), and a watchful waiting strategy was chosen. During the follow-up, slight visual deterioration, progressive deformation of the retinal profile, and an increase in diffuse retinal edema were observed. No surgical or laser treatment was performed. On the next visit, the spontaneous ERM separation with residual parapapillary fixation, the increase in visual acuity (0.9), and the decrease in retinal thickness were revealed. Conclusion. Such cases present additional evidence to a deferral surgical strategy for the management of patients with ERM and relatively high visual acuity.

An Unusual Case: Self-separation of an Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane

“…4 Spontaneous full-thickness, free, or partial flap separations are known to occur in cases of secondary ERM, especially in adolescents and cases of ERM that develop after inflammatory retinal diseases. 5,6,7 However, the self-separation of an idiopathic ERM from the retinal surface is rare. 2,3,4,5 In this article, we present an eye with partial PVD which developed an idiopathic ERM that later spontaneously separated from the retinal surface as a flap.…”

“…It was reported in the literature that spontaneous separation may occur in eyes with secondary ERM, especially in young patients. 6,7 However, self-separation of an idiopathic ERM from the retina appearing as a flap in an eye with findings of partial PVD is a very rare phenomenon.…”

Vitrectomy for branch retinal vein occlusion with vitreous hemorrhage: proposal for a new grading system

“…In our study, vision improvement and ME reduction in the Grade IIb group suggest that ILM peeling is necessary for ERMs with macular involvement.Ota et al [34]reported that substantial damage to the foveal photoreceptor layer was associated with poor VA prognosis. But Andreev et al [35]think a high degree of photoreceptors resistance to long-term distraction by ERM,the retina in fovea was spontaneously restored after several years of relieving tractional deformation. Therefore, we believe ERM with macular involvement affects the results of surgical treatment, but we need more time to observe the development of vision.…”

Vitrectomy for branch retinal vein occlusion with vitreous hemorrhage: proposal for a new grading system

“…Ota et al [34] reported that substantial damage to the foveal photoreceptor layer was associated with poor VA prognosis. But Andreev et al [35]think a high degree of photoreceptors resistance to long-term distraction by ERM, the retina in fovea was spontaneously restored after several years of relieving tractional deformation. Therefore, we believe ERM with macular involvement affects the results of surgical treatment, but we need a long period of time to observe the development of vision.…”