DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION OF A LAMELLAR MACULAR HOLE WITH LAMELLAR HOLE-ASSOCIATED EPIRETINAL PROLIFERATION.

PURPOSE: To describe evolution and progression of a lamellar macular hole (LMH) with "lamellar hole-associated epiretinal proliferation (LHEP)" using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence.

METHODS: Observational case report.

RESULTS: We report on a 63-year-old male patient demonstrating a complete history of LMH development with LHEP occurring during a follow-up period of 8 years. Presenting with a normal foveal contour and attached posterior vitreous at first visit, an LMH developed shortly after incomplete posterior vitreous detachment with vitreopapillary adhesion. On spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images, progression of the LMH including enlargement of the intraretinal cavitation and decrease in the retinal thickness were documented. An increase of LHEP was first documented 6 months after LMH evolution. One month after cataract surgery and 6 years after the first visit, a full-thickness macular hole developed that closed spontaneously after 4 weeks. Localization of LHEP had moved into the foveal defect toward the outer retinal layers. Thereafter, the LMH was stable, and the patient presented with a visual acuity of 20/25.

CONCLUSION: Proper follow-up time is important for studying eyes with an LMH. Epimacular cell proliferation shows progression over time that appears to be associated with morphologic changes of the LMH including shape of the lamellar defect, amount of LHEP, and contractive properties of epiretinal tissue. The presence of LHEP was documented shortly after posterior vitreous detachment.