AMNIOTIC MEMBRANE GRAFTING FOR A CASE OF BILATERAL GIANT FULL-THICKNESS MACULAR HOLE IN ALPORT SYNDROME AFTER CATARACT SURGERY.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical management of bilateral giant full-thickness macular hole with sudden onset two months after cataract surgery in a patient with Alport syndrome.

METHODS

This was an observational, single-case report.

RESULTS

A 54-year-old woman with a history of Alport syndrome presented with severe bilateral visual loss two months after cataract surgery. The diagnosis of bilateral giant full-thickness macular hole was made. We found the absence of the internal limiting membrane and the inability to lift and peel a continuous posterior hyaloid sheet during surgical management with 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (left eye). Amniotic membrane grafting followed by gas tamponade were performed for hole closure. The hole remained closed but vision was poorly restored two months after.

CONCLUSION

Cataract surgery in patients with Alport syndrome could promote early development of giant full-thickness macular hole. Collagen defects could underlie internal limiting membrane absence and the inability to properly peel the posterior hyaloid.