Ultrastructural features of surgically excised idiopathic subfoveal neovascular membranes

Retina. 1993;13(2):93-8. doi: 10.1097/00006982-199313020-00001.

Abstract

The ultrastructural features of three surgically excised idiopathic subfoveal neovascular membranes were examined. Ultrastructural features of the cellular components in the membranes included retinal pigment epithelium, endothelial-lined vascular channels, photoreceptor cells, macrophages, myofibroblasts, glial cells, erythrocytes, and ghost erythrocytes. Extracellular constituents included 200-nm to 250-nm collagen fibrils, 100-nm collagen fibrils and fibrin. The findings in this study are consistent with previously reported findings of subfoveal neovascular membranes in age-related macular degeneration and the ocular histoplasmosis syndrome, with the exception of the presence of basal laminar deposit in membranes from age-related macular degeneration.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure
  • Collagen / ultrastructure
  • Endothelium, Vascular / ultrastructure
  • Eye Infections, Fungal / pathology
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fovea Centralis / surgery*
  • Fovea Centralis / ultrastructure*
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Histoplasmosis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Macular Degeneration / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Photoreceptor Cells / ultrastructure
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / ultrastructure
  • Retinal Neovascularization / pathology*
  • Retinal Neovascularization / surgery*

Substances

  • Collagen