The use of pars plana vitrectomy in the treatment of a serous retinal detachment secondary to lupus choroidopathy.

This report describes the use of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) in the management of a patient with a serous retinal detachment (SRD) secondary to lupus choroidopathy. Surgery was performed after anti-inflammatory treatments and laser photocoagulation failed to resolve the condition. The patient's vision improved, and the subretinal fluid has not reaccumulated at 5 years postoperatively. The high viscosity of the subretinal fluid observed during the procedure may account for the persistence of the SRD despite control of inflammation. PPV surgery can be considered as a treatment option for patients with lupus-related SRD when anti-inflammatory medications are not successful and the subretinal fluid does not reabsorb independently.