Subretinal Perfluorocarbon

Published on 09/05/2015 by admin

Filed under Opthalmology

Last modified 22/04/2025

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Subretinal Perfluorocarbon

Introduction:

Perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquid is a dense, clear synthetic liquid used as an intraoperative adjunct during vitrectomy to assist in the repair of complex retinal detachments. PFC liquid can inadvertently migrate into the subretinal space, which is often only identified postoperatively. The risk may be higher with newer small gauge vitrectomy systems.

Clinical Features:

Subretinal PFC liquid appears as a localized spherical elevation of the retina (Fig. 12.5.1). The location of the subretinal PFC depends on how the PFC made its way under the retina intraoperatively. If the macula is involved, central visual acuity can be adversely affected.

Figure 12.5.1 Color photograph of a retained subretinal PFC liquid droplet superonasal to the optic nerve (circle) following repair of a complex retinal detachment with a giant retinal tear and silicone oil tamponade. (Courtesy of Caroline Baumal, MD.).

OCT Features:

OCT through a subretinal PFC liquid droplet reveals a hyporeflective cavity similar in density to the vitreous space (Fig. 12.5.2). The overlying retina is thin due to a mechanical effect of the dense liquid. Sometimes, it can appear as if the PFC liquid is within the retina, though it is actually underneath (Fig. 12.5.3).

Figure 12.5.2 OCT through the subretinal PFC liquid droplet (corresponding to Figure 12.5.1) shows a completely hyporeflective space occupied by the PFC. There is a distinct rim of hyper-reflectivity. The overlying retina is very thin due to a mechanical effect of the dense liquid. (Courtesy of Caroline Baumal, MD.).

Figure 12.5.3 OCT through a small, retained subretinal PFC liquid droplet (arrows). The PFC appears to be within the retina although it is actually underneath the retina. (Courtesy of Jeffrey S. Heier, MD.)

Ancillary Testing:

Treatment:

If the PFC liquid is under the macula and affecting visual acuity, it can be removed. This requires performing a vitrectomy and using a small gauge cannula (41 G) to create an access retinotomy for direct drainage.

[/level-membership-for-opthalmology-category][not-level-membership-for-opthalmology-category]12.5

Subretinal Perfluorocarbon

Introduction:

Perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquid is a dense, clear synthetic liquid used as an intraoperative adjunct during vitrectomy to assist in the repair of complex retinal detachments. PFC liquid can inadvertently migrate into the subretinal space, which is often only identified postoperatively. The risk may be higher with newer small gauge vitrectomy systems.

Clinical Features:

Subretinal PFC liquid appears as a localized spherical elevation of the retina (Fig. 12.5.1). The location of the subretinal PFC depends on how the PFC made its way under the retina intraoperatively. If the macula is involved, central visual acuity can be adversely affected.

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Handbook of Retinal OCT Optical Coherence Tomography