Characteristics of spontaneous reattachment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: optical coherence tomography features and follow-up outcomes.

Purpose: To investigate the clinical features of spontaneous reattachment of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (SRRRD) with diffuse retinal pigmentary changes.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients diagnosed with SRRRD. The diagnosis of SRRRD was made based on characteristic fundus findings, such as diffuse retinal pigmentary clumpings, retinal pigmentary atrophy, and convex lesion margins. The clinical features of SRRRD were also evaluated. In addition, optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and follow-up data were analyzed.

Results: Twenty patients were included in the study. All the patients showed unilateral involvement. SRRRD predominantly involved the inferior or temporal retina (90.0%). On OCT, severe disruption of the outer retinal layers was noted in the region of SRRRD. A subretinal gliosis band was noted in 11 patients (55.0%), and an epiretinal membrane (ERM) was noted in nine patients (45.0%). In 18 patients, a mean follow-up of 24.9 ± 29.2 months was performed. During the follow-up period, no definite retinal changes were noted on fundus examination or OCT.

Conclusions: SRRRD usually involves the inferior or temporal retina. Although severe disruption of the retinal microstructure is noted in the involved region, the condition is likely to be stable. However, long-term follow-up is required to identify progression of the ERM.