부산대학교 도서관

PURPOSE:: To describe presence and distribution of pores of the inner limiting membrane (ILM) in eyes with vitreo-maculopathies, METHODS:: ILM specimens were harvested from 117 eyes of 117 patients during vitrectomy with membrane peeling from eyes with vitreomacular traction syndrome, idiopathic and secondary epiretinal gliosis, and idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (FTMH). All specimens were processed as flat-mounts for immunocytochemistry and examined by phase-contrast, interference and fluorescence microscopy. Demographic and clinical data were correlated. RESULTS:: ILM pores were found in all vitreo-maculopathies. They were identified in 47 (40.2%) of 117 eyes being most evident with anti-laminin. In eyes with FTMH >400μm, pores were seen in more than half of all eyes. They occur as numerous and uniformly distributed defects of the flat mounted ILM with a mean diameter of 9.5 ± 2.4 µm. Edges of ILM pores are round with an irregular contour and no specific cellular pattern. Pores were distinguished from retinal vessel thinning and iatrogenic artefacts. CONCLUSION:: Contrary to previous reports, ILM pores are a common finding in vitreo-maculopathies easily visible with anti-laminin staining. Further studies are needed to clarify whether their presence correlates with differences in disease progression or imaging before and after vitrectomy with ILM peeling.