Combined rhegmatogenous and traction detachment associated with vasoproliferative tumor secondary to sickle cell retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report the surgical management of a combined rhegmatogenous and traction retinal detachment associated with a vasoproliferative tumor secondary to sickle cell retinopathy.

OBSERVATIONS: A 29 year old man from Ghana presented with unilateral vision loss, ischemic retina and sea fan neovascularization in both eyes and a retinal detachment nearby a vasoproliferative tumor (VPT) in the left eye. Hemoglobin electrophoresis led to the diagnosis of sickle cell disease. The patient underwent vitrectomy with scleral buckle surgery, resection of the tumor, and removal of subretinal membranes in the left eye. Laser photocoagulation was targeted to areas of ischemic retina in both eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

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Importance

To our knowledge, this is the first report of a combined rhegmatogenous and traction retinal detachment associated with a VPT in sickle cell retinopathy managed by modern vitrectomy techniques. Prompt recognition of the condition and surgical management addressing both rhegmatogenous and tractional components can lead to improved outcome.