Choroidal neovascularization secondary to vitrectomy for idiopathic epiretinal membrane: report of an unusual case

Epiretinal membranes (ERM) are a common finding in old patients. Pars plana vitrectomy is effective for removing ERM from the macula, but some postoperative complications are relatively frequent. In the present report, we describe a 73-year-old man in whom extrafoveal choroidal neovascularization developed four months after surgery.

Choroidal neovascularization was treated by argon laser photocoagulation.

Six months after treatment, the choroidal neovascularization was obliterated, with no recurrence of ERM.

Choroidal neovascularization can be an unusual complication of ERM surgery, and should be suspected in case of poor visual outcome or recurrence of symptoms.