Cryotherapy-induced release of epiretinal membrane associated with retinal vasoproliferative tumor: analysis of 16 cases

To evaluate epiretinal membrane (ERM) response after cryotherapy for retinal vasoproliferative tumors (VPTs).

Retrospective interventional case series.

Of 16 eyes with VPT and ERM, the tumor was classified as primary in 12 (75%) eyes or secondary in 4 (25%) eyes. The median patient age was 44 years (mean, 43 years; range, 9-70 years). The tumor was located in extramacular zone (n = 16, 100%) and inferotemporal quadrant (n = 12, 75%). The mean tumor base was 6 mm, and thickness was 3 mm. The ERM involved the macula in 12 (75%) eyes and extramacular zone in 4 (25%) eyes, with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better in 6 (38%) eyes. Associated features included cystoid macular edema (n = 8, 50%), subretinal fluid (n = 10, 63%), vitreous cells (n = 9, 56%), and vitreous hemorrhage (n = 7, 44%). Single-session cryotherapy (double freeze-thaw) to the VPT was performed in each case. Over mean follow-up of 68 months (median, 54 months; range, 8-252 months), tumor regression was documented in 16 (100%) cases, with ERM release in 10 (63%) cases. After ERM release, the foveal anatomy was normal in 12 (75%) eyes. Final visual acuity improved (n = 5, 31%), remained stable (n = 9, 56%), or worsened (n = 2, 13%). Posttreatment best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in 10 (63%) eyes.

Cryotherapy is remarkably effective for VPT of 6 mm or less in basal dimension. After cryotherapy, VPT-related ERM spontaneously released in 63% of the cases, without the need for surgical intervention.