Suprachoroidal Proliferative Membrane in Uveal Effusion Syndrome with Nanophthalmos: Incidental Finding During Sclerectomy.

PURPOSE: To report the identification and histopathological analysis of a suprachoroidal proliferative membrane in a patient with uveal effusion syndrome (UES) and nanophthalmos, highlighting its potential role in the pathophysiology of the condition.

METHODS

A comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including fundus examination IOL-Master biometry, and B-scan ultrasound, was performed on a 52-year-old female patient presenting with blurred vision. Sclerectomy was conducted, during which a white strand-like substance was extracted from the suprachoroidal space. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were carried out to characterize the substance.

RESULTS

The patient presented with hand motion visual acuity in the right eye and a best-corrected visual acuity of 0.4 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed a spherical bulge of the retina in the right eye, and IOL-Master confirmed nanophthalmos with axial lengths of 18.2 mm (right) and 18.5 mm (left). B-scan ultrasound showed a retinal and choroidal detachment in the right eye. During sclerectomy, a 3 cm white strand-like substance was extracted from the suprachoroidal space of the right eye. Histopathological analysis identified it as a collagen-rich proliferative membrane, with immunohistochemical staining showing strong positivity for collagen type I and moderate positivity for CD68. Post-surgery, with topical corticosteroids, the uveal effusion resolved, the retina flattened, and visual acuity improved to 0.02 in the right eye.

CONCLUSION

The discovery of a suprachoroidal proliferative membrane rich in fibroblasts and macrophages in a patient with UES and nanophthalmos suggests an inflammatory component in the pathophysiology of nanophthalmic UES, providing new insights into its mechanism and potential therapeutic targets.