Recent Study on Vitreomacular Interphase Disorders in Eyes with Proliferative Sickle Cell Retinopathy

Abstract

Purpose: Sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) is a series of characteristic retina complications that arise in patients with sickle cell haemoglobinopathy. To describe the type of vitreomacula interface disorders (VID) seen in eyes with proliferative sickle cell retinopathy, based on optical coherence tomography findings and assess their effect on visual acuity.

Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective observational case study. Clinical records and imaging records were reviewed to identify all PSR cases with Fourier-domain OCT imaging showing VIDs at a single academic private-practice office location from January 1, 2015 to July 30, 2018. Identified VIDs were classified as Vitreomacula Adhesions, Vitreomacula Traction, Lamellar Macula Hole, Full Thickness Macula Hole, Epiretina membranes and Macula Pseudohole.

Results: Out of a total of 98 eyes of 78 patients with PSR evaluated, only 12 eyes had VIDs; this represents 12.2% of PSR patients. There were 3 (25%) males and 9 (75%) females with ages ranging from 32 to 64 years, a mean age of 45.42yrs [SD 10.27], 9(75%) right eyes were affected. In 9(75%) patients their genotype was SC and 3(25%) with genotype SS. PSR was at stage 3 in 6(50%) eyes, while the remaining 6(eyes) were at stage 4. The most common VID was epiretina membranes (ERM) seen in 7(58.3%)eyes, in 2(16.6%) ERMs eyes were associated with Lamella Macula Holes and in 1(8.3%) the ERM was associated with a pseudohole. VMAs were seen in in 3(25%) eyes and FTMHs were seen in 2 (16.6%) eyes. ERMs were thus seen in 7.1% (7 eyes) of the 98 eyes with PSR that were considered.

Conclusion: Epiretina membranes with or without macular holes are the most common vitreomacular interphase disorders seen in our series of eyes with proliferative sickle cell retinopathy. They were associated with mild to moderate impairment in visual acuity.