Sudden branch macular artery avulsion during internal limiting membrane peeling for idiopathic macular hole: A case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Macular Holes (MH) are variable thickness openings of the retina that develop in the fovea. This case presents a branch macular artery avulsion during internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for idiopathic macular hole management in an adult patient. The proper management of this complication along with the preventive measures is mentioned. CASE PRESENTATION: A 65-year-old woman developed a branch macular artery avulsion during ILM peeling for MH. After cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and pars plana vitrectomy, during ILM peeling, a multifocal bleeding along a macular artery was noted indicating its avulsion. The intraocular pressure was raised to control hemorrhage, blood remnants were passively aspirated and ILM peeling was kindly completed under adequate visualization. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Branch macular artery avulsion is a potential complication even for experienced surgeons. Proper management of this complication involves the increase of intraocular pressure for hemostasia. If hemostasia and proper visualization are achieved, the surgery could be completed, and if it is not the case, the ILM peeling could be completed in a second procedure. This complication might be avoided by initiating the ILM peeling away from the macular vessels. CONCLUSION: Branch macular artery avulsion is an intraoperative complication that might be avoided by initiating the ILM peeling away from the macular vessels.