Polygonal Area of Retinal Pigment Epithelium Avulsion Following Retinal Cryotherapy for Retinal Detachment.

PURPOSE: This study is aimed at reporting a rare case of polygonal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) avulsion following retinal cryotherapy for retinal detachment.

METHODS

Case report.

RESULTS

A 53-year-old man presented with recurrent retinal detachment 30 days after 23G vitrectomy with 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas endotamponade. Intraocular pressure was < 1 mmHg, with horizontal chorioretinal folds due to hypotony. Re-vitrectomy with PFCL, cryotherapy, endolaser, and silicone oil was performed. During surgery, a large RPE avulsion with island formation and a small full-thickness retinal avulsion causing re-detachment were identified in the cryotherapy area. After 6 months with attached retina, the silicone oil was removed and the retina remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Cryotherapy-induced scarring for retinal detachment repair is likely to cause traction. In our case, traction from the scar resulted in a full-thickness retinal tear and RPE avulsion, leading to re-detachment. Careful follow-up is essential to detect and treat complications.