Internal limiting membrane graft in full-thickness macular hole secondary to macular telangiectasia type 2

Abstract

We present a case report of an autologous internal limiting membrane (ILM) graft transposition technique in a 60-years-old female patient who with a full-thickness macular hole (FTMH) secondary to idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel type 2). To our knowledge, our case is the first report of ILM graft transposition to treat persistent FTMH secondary to MacTel type 2. MacTel type 2 is an acquired disease characterized by macular capillary abnormalities and retinal neurodegeneration. FTMH is an infrequent complication of MacTel type 2. Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with ILM peeling and gas endotamponade is the standard treatment of FTMH to help restore macular anatomy and visual function. The technique of autologous ILM graft transposition is a useful alternative to repair large, persistent macular holes that have failed to close with previous ILM peeling. In the present case, our patient with persistent FTMH secondary to MacTel type 2 after the previous standard macular hole surgery was admitted to our clinic. We performed 23-gauge PPV with extramacular ILM peeling and ILM graft transposition into the macular hole. 2 months after the surgery, her visual acuity had improved and anatomic closure of the FTMH was observed. In our opinion, ILM grafting might support reorganization of the retinal structure that has been affected by Muller cell degeneration.