SELF-PEELING EPIRETINAL MEMBRANE.

PURPOSE: To present a self-peeling epiretinal membrane (ERM) in a patient with spontaneously improved retinal capillary hemangioma in the left eye.

METHODS: The authors demonstrate the improvement of an untreated retinal capillary hemangioma and resolution of ERM with fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Genetic testing excluded von Hippel-Lindau disease in this patient.

RESULTS: Evaluation of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis revealed retinal capillary hemangioma with retinal exudates at the temporal peripheral fundus and an ERM in the left eye. Patient was asymptomatic and elected observation. Three years after the initial examination, visual acuity and macular appearance improved after spontaneous resolution of the ERM. Capillary hemangioma was smaller and retinal exudates resolved without treatment.

CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates a self-peeling ERM associated with a retinal capillary hemangioma. This case contributes the literature describing the natural history of ERMs associated with peripherally located capillary hemangiomas in patients without von Hippel-Lindau disease.