Bilateral pigmented epi- and submacular membrane

Purpose: The aim of this communcation is to report a case of epiretinal membrane removal with intra-operative unexpected subretinal extension of the membrane. Methods: This is an observational case report. An 83-year-old female patient with bilateral pigmented secondary macular pucker after laser coagulation for diabetic retinopathy underwent vitrectomy with membrane peeling and membrane excision. The specimen was studied by means of light and electron microscopy. Results: The pigmented membrane extended through the retina forming an epiretinal and an intraretinal portion. Electron microscopy revealed connective tissue, capillaries and two different cell types that were retinal pigment epithelium-like and fibroblast-like. Conclusion: Misinterpreted parafoveal telangiectasis and focal lasercoagulation is the likely cause for our findings.