Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical findings in five patients with vitreomacular traction syndrome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pathologic features of vitreomacular traction syndrome (VMT).

METHODS

Preretinal membranes removed from five patients during vitreous surgery for VMT syndrome were evaluated by electron microscopy (n = 4) and immunohistochemistry (n = 1).

RESULTS

Electron microscopic examination revealed large segments of internal limiting lamina (ILL) in three of the four cases. Other extracellular features included two types of abnormal collagen fibrils, determined to be type I and fibrous long-spacing collagen. The myofibrocyte was the predominant cell type in all cases. Collagen types I, II, and III, as well as glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin, were identified by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS

Epiretinal membranes in eyes with VMT syndrome adhered tightly to the ILL with abnormal collagen and contractile elements that included myofibrocytes.