Inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique to treat a full-thickness macular hole complicating idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2

Background/purpose: Full-thickness macular hole is a complication of idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 with a low surgical closure rate and a poor functional recovery. We analyze morphologic and functional outcomes after an inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique for full-thickness macular hole complicating idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 using optical coherence tomography and microperimetry. Case report: A 77-year-old man presented us complaining visual impairment in the left eye (20/40) due to a full-thickness macular hole complicating idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2. The patient underwent vitrectomy with an inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique and injection of 22% SF6 gas. Optical coherence tomography and functional analysis, including visual acuity test and microperimetry, were performed before surgery and over 3 months. Optical coherence tomography scans revealed macular hole closure at 1-month follow-up. Visual acuity and retinal sensitivity improved from 20/40 to 20/20 and from 13.1 to 14.9 dB, respectively. Fixation stability (bivariate contour ellipse area) improved from 2.02 to 1.58 deg(2), from 5.44 to 4.24 deg(2) and from 9.72 to 7.58 deg(2), at 68%, 95%, and 99% of fixation points, respectively. Conclusion: Inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique may be an alternative approach in patients with full-thickness macular hole complicating diopathic macular telangiectasia type 2, and microperimetry may be a useful tool to analyze related functional changes.

Automated summary

The inverted internal limiting membrane-flap technique may be effective in treating full-thickness macular hole complicating idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2, leading to closure of the macular hole, improved visual acuity, retinal sensitivity, and fixation stability. Microperimetry can be a useful tool to analyze functional changes in these patients post-surgery.