Abstract
Purpose: :
To report an association between vitreomacular traction and idiopathic parafoveal telangiectasis.
Methods: :
A retrospective chart review of 18 consecutive patients with idiopathic parafoveal telangiectasis (IPT) was completed. All patients received biomicroscopic fundus examination and fluorescein angiography for the diagnosis of IPT. 7 eyes of 6 patients with vitreomacular traction by optical coherence tomography were identified.
Results: :
One third of our patients with idiopathic parafoveal telangiectasis (IPT) had vitreomacular traction (VMT) by optical coherence tomography (OCT). In these patients, OCT showed separation of the posterior hyaloid from the retina in the parafoveal region with adherent vitreous over the fovea. One patient with a history of VMT was subsequently diagnosed with IPT. The patient elected surgical management and pars plana vitrectomy was performed to remove the vitreomacular traction.Symptoms reported included blurred vision and metamorphopsia. Mean vision was 20/100. Four eyes have other ocular conditions including macular hole. Consistent with IPT, fundus findings included intraretinal graying and deposits, right-angled veins and pigmentation. Fluorescein angiography findings in our patients included capillary telangiectasis, staining and leakage.
Conclusions: :
The pathogenesis of idiopathic parafoveal telangiectasis (IPT) is unknown. An association between vitreomacular traction (VMT) and IPT has, to date, not been reported. This case series suggests a relationship between IPT and VMT or a separate group of patients with parafoveal telangiectasis distinct from IPT. Optical coherence tomography is important in the management of patients suspected of having IPT.
Keywords: vitreous • retina • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: natural history