Surgical removal of subfoveal neovascularization in idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of the surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in patients with type 2A idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis. Methods: Two patients with bilateral acquired idiopathic juxtafoveolar retinal telangiectasis and a subfoveal choroidal neovascular membrane underwent surgical excision of the membrane using standard subretinal surgical techniques. Results: In both cases, surgical removal of the neovascular membrane was complicated by an intimate adherence of the membrane with the overlying neurosensory retina in an area of retinochoroidal anastomosis. A retinal dehiscence occurred in both instances at the time of surgery. Postoperative visual outcome was poor. Conclusion: The retinochoroidal anastomoses often visualized in cases of subretinal neovascularization complicating bilateral acquired IJFRT could indicate that there is a fairly marked adherence of the neovascular membrane to the neurosensory retina. Attempts at surgical removal of subretinal membranes in this disease entity with current techniques may be contraindicated.