Complete recovery of the retinal pigment epithelium layer after spontaneous large serous retinal pigment epithelial tear

Abstract

Introduction The objective of this study is to report a case of complete recovery of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layer after spontaneous large serous RPE tear and explore the possible RPE repair mechanism. Case description A 63-year-old male patient developed serous detachment of the RPE in the macula of his left eye. During the follow-up period, an oval-shaped RPE tear spontaneously occurred in the macular area, and fundus autofluorescence showed that the torn area was 6.59 mm2. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed that the subretinal fluid had been absorbed and that the continuity of the RPE layer was gradually restored from the periphery to the center over the course of 9 months. Moreover, visual acuity (VA) in the left eye was restored to 20/20, and there was no significant difference in macular function between the two eyes, as measured by multifocal electroretinography, at the last follow-up. In addition, the patient received no special treatment during the entire follow-up period. Conclusion The integrity of the RPE layer can be restored completely after extensive RPE tear, and recovered RPE may allow the recovery of macular function.