Trapped Pre-Macular Bubble of Octafluoropropane Gas Masquerading as Retained Submacular Perfluorocarbon Liquid

To demonstrate, with the aid of retinal imaging, an abnormal post-operative macular appearance caused by the presence of a "fragmented" pre-retinal bubble of octafluoropropane (C₃F₈) masquerading as retained subretinal perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL).

This is an interventional case presentation.

Colour fundus photography high-resolution spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and clinical progress demonstrate that the abnormal reflex was caused by the presence of a small fragment of C₃F₈ becoming lodged at the pre-foveal area.

Submacular entrapment of various substances used during vitrectomy has been described in a number of case reports and case series. To our knowledge, this is the first described case of a retained fragment of fluorocarbon gas trapped at the macula following successful retinal detachment repair and highlights a previously unreported cause of an abnormal foveal appearance. However, clinical examination together with the use of SD-OCT is helpful in differentiating the appearance from that seen in other retained vitrectomy adjuncts.