Autologous Retinal Transplant for Refractory Macular Holes: Multicenter International Collaborative Study Group

Abstract

Purpose: To report the structural and functional outcomes of autologous neurosensory retinal transplant for closure of refractory large macular holes (MHs).

Design: Multicenter, retrospective, consecutive case series.

Participants: A total of 41 eyes of 41 patients with a full-thickness MH refractory to prior vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel and tamponade.

Methods: All patients underwent pars plana vitrectomy, autologous neurosensory retinal transplant with gas, silicone oil tamponade, or short-term perfluoro-n-octane heavy-liquid tamponade. All patients had at least 6 months' follow-up.

Main outcome measures: Anatomic closure of MH, change in ellipsoid zone (EZ) and external limiting membrane (ELM) defect on OCT, visual acuity (VA) recovery, and surgical complications were analyzed.

Results: Mean number of prior surgeries was 1.5±0.94 (range, 1-3), and patients were followed for a mean of 11.1±7.7 months (range, 6-36 months). Complete anatomic closure of MH by OCT was achieved in 36 of 41 eyes (87.8%). Mean corrected VA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) improved (P = 0.03) from 1.11±0.66 (range, 0.48-3) to 1.03±0.51 (range, 0.1-2) at the last postoperative visit. The VA improved (≥0.3 logMAR units) in 15 eyes (36.6%), was stable in 17 eyes (41.5%), and worsened in 9 eyes (21.9%). Among eyes with anatomic closure, VA improved in 52.3% and worsened in 13.8%, whereas in those without closure, VA worsened in 40% and improved in none. Mean preoperative largest basal diameter was 1468.1±656.4 μm (range, 621-2600 μm), and mean inner-opening diameter was 825±422.5 μm (range, 336-1649 μm). Mean preoperative EZ defect was 1777.3±513.8 μm (range, 963-2808 μm), which decreased to 1370±556.9 μm (range, 288-2000 μm) at final follow-up (P = 0.007). Mean preoperative ELM was 1681.5±429 μm (range, 1172-2606 μm), which decreased to 1408.5±571.2 μm (range, 200-2000 μm) at final follow-up (P = 0.017). Major postoperative complications were retinal detachment (n = 1) and vitreous hemorrhage (n = 1). There were no cases of proliferative vitreoretinopathy, endophthalmitis, suprachoroidal hemorrhage, or choroidal neovascularization.

Conclusions: The autologous retinal transplant technique offers a high degree of anatomic success and proved safe in this initial experience for closure of refractory MHs.