Subfoveal neovascular membrane removal in patients with traumatic choroidal rupture.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy to remove subretinal neovascular membranes caused by traumatic choroidal ruptures.

METHODS: Three patients with traumatic choroidal rupture in whom subfoveal choroidal neovascularization developed underwent pars plana vitrectomy with surgical excision of the neovascular membrane. Surgical specimens were examined histopathologically in two patients.

RESULTS: The choroidal neovascularization was removed completely in each patient. Visual results were excellent with visual acuities improving to 20/30 or better in each patient. Recurrence of choroidal neovascularization has not been observed. Fibrovascular membranes with reactive retinal pigment epithelium were observed in two specimens examined histopathologically.

CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of subretinal neovascular membranes emanating from traumatic choroidal ruptures produced an excellent visual outcome in three patients studied. The neovascular membranes, which were removed with minor disturbance to the underlying pigment epithelium, have similar characteristics to those obtained from patients with ocular histoplasmosis syndrome.