Background: Best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD) is an autosomal dominant hereditary retinal disease caused by BEST1 gene mutations. Macular hole is a rare complication of BVMD. We are the first to report a BVMD case with bilateral macular holes and a new onset vitelliform lesion after a vitrectomy surgery.
Materials and methods: A woman with a history of BVMD suffered from a 1-year vision loss in both eyes. Complete ophthalmologic examinations and BEST1 gene screening were performed on the patient.
Results: Ophthalmoscopic examinations revealed bilateral macular holes with atrophic photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). A disease-causing BEST1 mutation N296S (c.887A>G) was detected. A vitrectomy surgery with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and gas tamponade was performed on the right eye. The macular hole closed and maintained stable for 1 year. A new extramacular vitelliform lesion was observed during the follow-up.
Conclusions: Macular hole is an unusual but severe complication in the end stage of BVMD as the macular thinning is accompanied with vitreous traction. A vitrectomy surgery is effective to close the hole while further study is required to elucidate the pathophysiology of macular hole formation and the new vitelliform lesion in such a case.
Keywords: Best vitelliform macular dystrophy; macular hole; vitrectomy surgery.