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Published on: September 11, 2013
Spontaneous separation of idiopathic epiretinal membrane in a 7-year-old child
Hua Gao1, Gohar A Salam, Sandra Chern
1Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. hgao@iupui.edu
Insights
Spontaneous separation of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane occurred in a young child. This finding is significant as such membranes often require surgical intervention.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric ophthalmology
Background:
- Epiretinal membranes (ERMs) are uncommon in children.
- ERMs in pediatric patients are typically idiopathic but can be associated with vitreous hemorrhage or shaken baby syndrome.
Observation:
- A case of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane in a young child was observed.
- The epiretinal membrane demonstrated spontaneous separation.
Findings:
- The study reports a rare instance of spontaneous separation of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane in a pediatric patient.
- This contrasts with the usual management of symptomatic ERMs, which involves surgical intervention.
Implications:
- This case suggests that spontaneous resolution of idiopathic epiretinal membranes in children is possible.
- It may inform clinical decision-making regarding surgical intervention for pediatric epiretinal membranes.
Abstract:
Epiretinal membrane is occasionally encountered in children; it is usually idiopathic but can be due to conditions such as vitreous hemorrhage or shaken baby syndrome. Though persistent adherence of the symptomatic epiretinal membrane warrants surgical intervention, spontaneous separation of the membrane has been reported. We report a case of spontaneous separation of an idiopathic epiretinal membrane in a young child.
