Crystalline Maculopathy Secondary to Retinal Tear Without Detachment. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tsimchi, Imanouel M.; Dayani, Pouya N.; Boyer, David S.; Roe, Richard H.
• Is Part Of: Journal of vitreoretinal diseases. Volume 5:Number 5(2021)
• Page Start: 455
• Page End: 458
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: crystal -- crystalline -- macula -- tear; Retina -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Vitreous body -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Retina -- Diseases; Vitreous body -- Diseases; Periodicals; 617.735005
• DOI: 10.1177/2474126420977806
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2474-1264

Abstract

Purpose: Crystalline maculopathy secondary to chronic retinal detachment (RD) has previously been described. This article proposes a novel mechanism to explain crystalline formation in the absence of RD. Methods: Two patients, who were referred for routine examination, were found to have a crystalline maculopathy in the setting of an asymptomatic, chronic-appearing, peripheral retinal tear. Fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography were used to assess the crystals and tear. No specimens were obtained. Results: We describe 2 cases of a crystalline maculopathy secondary to an asymptomatic peripheral retinal tear. We hypothesized macrophage ingestion of photoreceptor segments emanating from the tear may have contributed to macular crystalline deposition. Conclusions: Because crystalline maculopathy can present in the setting of RD, there may be a shared pathogenesis between the 2 conditions.