Postoperative giant retinal pseudotear

To describe a case of an unusual vitreous membrane simulating detachment of a giant retinal tear after previous surgical repair.

A 52-year-old man underwent vitrectomy for repair of a giant retinal tear. Six weeks later, a prominent vitreous membrane simulating recurrent detachment of the giant retinal tear was noted. Fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography were used to characterize the membrane and its relationship to the contiguous retina.

Fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography confirmed avascularity of the lesion and presence of retinal vessels and retinal tissue extending anterior to the membrane without distortion. Follow-up 8 months later demonstrated no progression, complete retinal attachment, and visual acuity of 20/20.

Recognition of this condition is important to avoid unnecessary reoperation. Findings were consistent with a condensed hyaloidal membrane or organized postoperative fibrin membrane. The term "giant retinal pseudotear" is proposed.