Article
Horseshoe-like macular tear secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion: A case report
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Published: | September 22, 2004 |
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Outline
Text
Objective
A macular hole can develop secondary to a branch retinal vein occlusion and subsequent chronic cystoid macular edema. We report about an atypical horseshoe-like tear occurred in the fovea in branch retinal vein occlusion.
Methods
A 53-year-old man presented in September 2002 with an occlusion of superior temporal vein of the retina in the left eye. Ophthalmoscopy revealed diffuse retinal haemorrhage superior to the macula. The visual acuity was 0.05. Systemic risk factors were screened. Because of the diffuse macular haemorrhage, an observational management was selected. In September 2003, the haemorrhage was almost resolved and there was a horseshoe-like tear in the fovea. Visual acuity was 0.1. The patient underwent standard three port vitrectomy and C3F8 16%. Intraoperatively, massive traction of the vitreous was detected on the edges of the tear.
Results
Six months after the operation, the tear was attached. The visual acuity was 0,1. Optical coherent tomography revealed that the edges of the tear were completely attached. There was a light retinal edema temporal to the fovea.
Conclusions
Foveal location of a horseshoe-like tear is unusual. We assume that chronic macular edema and retinal ischemia secondary to retinal vein occlusion were additional factors beside the vitreous traction, contributing to the formation of macular tear. An anatomical closure of the tear is possible following relieving the vitreous traction. A stabile visual acuity can be achieved by an early intervention.