Surgical removal of subfoveal neovascularization in idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of the surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in patients with type 2A idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis. METHODS: Two patients with bilateral acquired idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis and a subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane underwent surgical excision of the membrane using standard subretinal surgical techniques. RESULTS: In both cases, surgical removal of the neovascular membrane was complicated by an intimate adherence of the membrane with the overlying neurosensory retina in an area of retinochoroidal anastomosis. A retinal dehiscence occurred in both instances at the time of surgery. Postoperative visual outcome was poor. CONCLUSION: The retinochoroidal anastomoses often visualized in cases of subretinal neovascularization complicating bilateral acquired IJFRT could indicate that there is a fairly marked adherence of the neovascular membrane to the neurosensory retina. Attempts at surgical removal of subretinal membranes in this disease entity with current techniques may be contraindicated.

Duke Scholars

Author Brooks W. McCuen II Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Diseases & Surgery