Intravitreal Methotrexate for Recalcitrant Epiretinal Membrane Reproliferation
Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers & Imaging Retina
|January 4, 2022
Summary
This study shows methotrexate injections effectively treated recurrent epiretinal membrane (ERM) after surgery. This offers a new option for patients with surgically resistant ERM.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Retinal Surgery
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Epiretinal membrane (ERM) can cause visual impairment.
- Recurrent ERM after surgery presents a treatment challenge.
- Standard treatments may fail in some patients.
Observation:
- A 65-year-old woman experienced recurrent epiretinal membrane (ERM) despite previous surgery.
- The patient underwent revision vitrectomy and membrane peeling.
- Following surgery, she received 12 weekly intravitreal methotrexate injections.
Findings:
- Significant improvement in visual acuity was observed.
- Marked reduction in central macular thickness occurred.
- No recurrence of ERM was noted at 7 months post-treatment.
Implications:
- This is the first report of methotrexate for surgically resistant recurrent ERM.
- Methotrexate may be a viable treatment for refractory ERM reproliferation.
- This approach could benefit patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.
