Talc retinopathy

Abstract

23 patients had bilateral intraretinal talc microemboli, which were seen on ophthalmoscopic examination. 12 of these patients had additional retinal vascular or choroidal abnormalities in the posterior pole that were confirmed by fluorescein angiography. 6 patients had peripheral retinal neovascularization associated with peripheral retinal vascular nonperfusion. Of these 6 patients, 3 had associated vitreous hemorrhage, and 2 had optic disk neovascularization and traction retinal detachment. The progressive fundus changes seen in talc retinopathy were documented by fluorescein angiography and compared to those seen in sickle-cell retinopathy. One eye in one patient was treated by argon laser photocoagulation for proliferative retinopathy, and three eyes in two patients with vitreous hemorrhage were treated by pars plana vitrectomy.