Therapeutic possibilities and limits of vitreoretinal surgery after expulsive choroidal hemorrhage

The aim of this retrospective study was to demonstrate that in certain cases of expulsive choroidal hemorrhage (ECH) anatomical success and useful vision can be obtained with repeated vitreoretinal surgery. The authors report on their experience in 8 patients who were treated following ECH over the past 3 1/2 years. Three types of ECH could be identified. Two cases with massive hemorrhage and expulsion of retinal tissue (type 1) developed phthisis bulbi. Five patients with vitreous loss and an abolished vitreous cavity due to the extent of the ECH (type 2) needed early and usually several interventions to achieve a stable anatomical and functional outcome. Three out of the 4 cases who were anatomically successful had useful vision (1/10, 2/10 en 8/10). One patient with a less extensive choroidal hemorrhage and a partially preserved vitreous cavity (type 3) had a visual acuity of 8/10 after the intervention.