Effect of intravitreal C3F8 gas in patients with vitreomacular traction

Abstract

SummaryBackground We aimed to assess the efficacy of a single intravitreal perfluoropropane (C3F8) gas injection for the treatment of vitreomacular traction with or without a macular hole. Methods In this retrospective case series, seven eyes of six patients with symptomatic vitreomacular traction documented on optical coherence tomography, one with a macular hole additionally, received a single intravitreal C3F8 gas injection of up to 0.3 ml. The primary endpoint was vitreomacular traction release at 1 month after injection. Secondary endpoints included resolution of vitreomacular adhesion within 6 months, nonsurgical closure of macular holes, and change in central foveal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. Results Overall, on optical coherence tomography, six of seven eyes (85.7%) had release of vitreomacular traction during the entire study duration: three within 1 month of injection and the other three within 6 months. Of the latter group, two of the three eyes showed a concurrent epiretinal membrane and one concurrent diabetic retino-and maculopathy. The patient with a macular hole had resolution of vitreomacular traction within 1 month but had to undergo vitrectomy because of nonclosure of the macular hole. Associated adverse events were macular edema with a consequent lamellar hole after injection in one patient, and another patient developed retinal detachment. Conclusion Intravitreal C3F8gas injection is an inexpensive and promising minimally invasive option for the treatment of symptomatic and persistent vitreo-

Indications and outcomes for intravitreal injection of C3F8 gas for symptomatic vitreomacular traction

“…No systemic complications occurred in our study, which is in line with previous studies who have not reported any systemic complications either 15 – 21 .…”

“…The gas bubble should liquefy the vitreous body during the gas expansion and induce the cortical vitreous to collapse during the absorption phase of the bubble, leading to PVD. Recent studies have shown PVD rates ranging from 40 to 88.6% depending on the intravitreal gas administered 16 – 21 . In the present study, we analyzed the outcomes after a single 0.3 ml C3F8 gas injection as a treatment for VMT.…”

“…Intravitreal injection of gas, so called pneumatic vitreolysis (PVL) is a minimally invasive procedure to induce PVD and release VMT. This procedure is very cost-effective and has a low rate of postoperative complications 15 – 21 . Unpublished data showed significant higher release rates for C3F8 (84%) when com-pared with SF6 (56%) or air (14%).…”