Factors Triggering Epiretinal Membrane Development and Progression Before and After Par Plana Vitrectomy for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment
10.21561/jor.2025.10.1.47
- Author:
Jeong Hyun LEE
;
Joo Young SHIN
;
Jeeyun AHN
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:
Journal of Retina
2025;10(1):47-55
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:We investigated factors associated with epiretinal membrane (ERM) development before pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and progression after PPV for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD).
Methods:A retrospective chart review of RRD patients who received PPV was performed. "ERM presence" was defined by the appearance of hyper-reflective lines above the inner retinal surface detected on optical coherence tomography (OCT) volume scans, and "ERM progression" was defined by either newly developed ERM or increase in the length of pre-existing ERM postoperatively. Baseline characteristics between patients with/without preoperative ERM were compared to identify factors associated with preoperative ERM. An analysis of risk factors for postoperative ERM progression was also performed.
Results:Among 98 patients (n = 98 eyes) included in the study, preoperative ERM was present in 33 (33.7%). Postoperatively, 26 of 65 patients without preoperative ERM presented with newly developed ERM, while 9 of 33 patients with preoperative ERM showed an increased ERM extent; hence, overall ERM progression was observed in 35 patients (35.7%). Prolonged symptom duration (preoperative ERM vs. non-preoperative ERM groups, 21.03 ± 15.76 vs. 6.03 ± 3.10 days; p < 0.001) and inferior tear location (vs. superior tear location, p = 0.024) were associated with preoperative ERM development. A larger-sized retinal tear (odds ratio [OR], 3.130; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.160–8.446; p = 0.024) and greater number of retinal tears (OR, 4.016; 95% CI, 2.306–6.991; p < 0.001) were risk factors associated with ERM progression. Conversely, preoperative vitreous hemorrhage (p = 0.538) or proliferative vitreoretinopathy (p = 0.263), range of retinal detachment (number of quadrants involved) (p = 0.270), and number of laser shots (p = 0.209) were not risk factors for ERM progression.
Conclusions:Prolonged symptom duration, inferior tear location, and a larger size and greater number of tears were factors associated with ERM development or progression in RRD patients undergoing PPV. Thorough perioperative OCT analysis and awareness of these potential risk factors might facilitate timely identification of ERM in such patients.
