Vitreoretinal surgery for a subretinal hydatid cyst

PURPOSE: To report the vitreoretinal surgery for management of a subretinal hydatid cyst. METHODS: Conventional pars plana vitrectomy was performed for the removal of a subretinal hydatid cyst and treatment of retinal detachment in the right eye (RE) of a 34-year-old woman. The cyst content was aspirated by a flute needle after retinotomy and cystotomy. The cyst wall was separated from overlying retina and removed. The retina was attached by liquid perfluorocarbon and silicone oil. Postoperatively, the patient was followed for 15 months. RESULTS: After vitreoretinal surgery, the retina RE was attached and recurrence of hydatid disease was not seen in vitreous cavity or subretinal space during the follow-up period. Visual acuity increased from counting fingers to 20/63 at the end of the follow-up time. CONCLUSION: A subretinal hydatid cyst that causes retinal detachment may be treated effectively with vitreoretinal surgery.