Horseshoe-like macular tear following recurrent branch retinal vein occlusion

Background A macular hole can develop as a late complication secondary to a branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). We report about an atypical horseshoe-like tear occurring in the fovea after recurrent BRVO. Methods An interventional case report. Results In 1997, a 53-year-old man was seen with an occlusion of macular part of inferior temporal vein of the retina on the left eye. After experiencing several recurrent BRVO in this eye, 6 years later he presented with a horseshoe-like tear in the fovea. Visual acuity was 20/200. The patient underwent standard three-port vitrectomy and installation of C3F8 16%. Intraoperatively, massive traction of the vitreous was detected on the edges of the tear. Six months after the operation, the tear remained attached. The visual acuity was 20/200. Conclusions The uniqueness of the presented case is the occurrence of a macular tear following recurrent BRVO, its horseshoe-like shape and foveal location. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on a horseshoe-like tear seen in the fovea secondary to BRVO. We assume that chronic macular edema and retinal ischemia following BRVO were additional factors beside the vitreous traction, contributing to the formation of the macular tear. Anatomical closure of the tear and stabilisation of visual acuity can be achieved by vitreoretinal surgery. There is no financial interest to declare. No grant has been received in relation to this case. Presented as a poster at the 102nd meeting of the German Ophthalmologic Society, 2004 Berlin.