[Tomographic appearance and etiologies of epimacular membranes in Cotonou]

Abstract

Purpose: To study the tomographic appearance and etiologies of epimacular membranes in Cotonou.

Patients, materials and methods: This was a descriptive, analytical study with retrospective data collection. It took place at the Cotonou Retinal Testing Center and included all patients who underwent macular OCT testing between January 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018.

Results: Of the 604 subjects examined, 32 patients (5.3%) exhibited an epimacular membrane. Epimacular membrane in combination with posterior vitreous detachment and contraction accounted for 44.74% of cases. 42.31% of the fellow eyes had developed a posterior vitreous detachment. The majority of the membranes were idiopathic. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy and posterior uveitis were the main risk factors for secondary membranes.

Conclusion: Epimacular membrane is a potentially blinding condition. The risk of bilateral involvement is significant, and patient access to OCT remains a concern in developing countries.

Keywords: Décollement postérieur du vitré; Epimacular membrane; Etiologies; Membrane épimaculaire; OCT; Posterior vitreous detachment; Étiologies.