[Massive preretinal proliferation and progressive pigmentation after detachment surgery (author's transl)].

Massive preretinal proliferation caused redetachment of the retina in a 58-year-old man after initially successful surgery. A second operation resulted in flattening of the retina. However, intense, progressive pigmentation of multiple epiretinal fibroplastic foci was observed and documented postoperatively. In the light of animal experiments and autopsy findings it is highly likely that this pigment was produced by proliferating pigment epithelium cells. Thus, this case provides clinical evidence that, in some cases at least, foci of epiretinal proliferation contain viable pigment epithelium cells.