Ultrastructure of vitreomacular traction syndrome associated with persistent hyaloid artery.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the ultrastructure of vitreomacular traction associated with persistent hyaloid artery.


METHODS
Pars plana vitrectomy was performed in a 66-year-old man with progressive vitreomacular traction associated with a persistent hyaloid artery. Epimacular tissue was peeled and processed for transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Ultrastructural analysis revealed multiple sheets of cellular and collagenous components. Myofibroblasts and newly formed collagen were the predominant features. Fibrous astrocytes, fibroblasts, macrophages, and basement membrane were also present.


CONCLUSIONS
The cellular composition of the epimacular tissue and high cellular activity suggest that persistence of the hyaloid artery may contribute to the development of vitreomacular traction.
Gandorfer
A
A
Department of Ophthalmology, University Eye Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany. arnd.gandorfer@ak-i.med.uni-muenchen.de
Rohleder
M
M
Charteris
D
D
Kampik
A
A
Luthert
P
P
D000368:Aged; D001158:Arteries / Q000002:abnormalities; D019773:Epiretinal Membrane / Q000473:pathology; D005123:Eye / Q000098:blood supply*; D006801:Humans; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008297:Male; D013577:Syndrome; D020255:Vitreous Detachment / Q000473:pathology*