[Nd:YAG Laser for retrohyaloidal haemorrhage after retinal branch vein occlusion].
BACKGROUND
A retrohyaloidal haemorrhage can be caused by different underlying diseases. Usually dense haemorrhages are treated by early vitrectomy. We want to report the successful treatment of a retrohyaloidal haemorrhage by means of Nd:YAG laser membranotomy.


METHODS
A 47-year-old man noticed two weeks before presentation a sudden visual loss in the left eye. Visual acuity on the first visit was c. c. 20/32 OD and c. c. 20/400 ex. OS. Dilated fundus examination of the left eye showed multiple intraretinal haemorrhages in the superior periphery and a dense retrohyaloidal haemorrhage over the macula. Anamnestic risk factors for ocular bleeding were systemic hypertension in connection with adiposity.


RESULTS
A retinal branch vein occlusion with retrohyaloidal haemorrhage due to systemic hypertension was diagnosed. To drain the retrohyaloidal haemorrhage into the vitreous an Nd:YAG laser membranotomy of the anterior surface of the haemorrhage was performed. Visual acuity increased to 20/100 within 30 min.


CONCLUSIONS
Possible therapeutic options to manage retrohyaloidal haemorrhages are observation, primary vitrectomy and Nd:YAG laser membranotomy. The presented case shows laser membranotomy to be a promising possibility for a rapid resolution of retrohyaloidal haemorrhage in selected patients.
Munkwitz
S
S
Augenklinik und Poliklinik, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz. munkwitz@uni-mainz.de
Foerster
M H
MH
Heimann
H
H
D019773:Epiretinal Membrane; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008266:Macula Lutea / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012166:Retinal Hemorrhage / Q000601:surgery*; D012170:Retinal Vein Occlusion / Q000601:surgery*; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000601:surgery