Spontaneous separation of epiretinal membrane associated with retinal hemangioblastoma: a case report with 10-year follow-up

Purpose: To report a case with a spontaneous separation of a secondary epiretinal membrane (ERM) associated with a retinal hemangioblastoma, and its long-term follow-up after laser photocoagulation (PC) for the hemangioblastoma. Observations: A 38-year-old man presented with a one-month history of decreased vision in his left eye (20/32) and was diagnosed with an ERM secondary to a retinal hemangioblastoma. Although PC was initially planned, he requested that the treatment be postponed. One month later, our examination showed a spontaneous separation of the ERM with a posterior vitreous detachment. His visual acuity improved from 20/32 to 20/20. PC was performed on the feeding vessels and hemangioblastoma later. We have followed this patient for 12 years, and his visual acuity is currently 20/16 without other complications or a recurrence of the ERM. Conclusions and importance: A spontaneous separation of a secondary ERM can occur before any treatment with a rapid functional and anatomical recovery. Our findings indicate that clinicians need to assess the treatment options for secondly ERMs associated with a hemangioblastoma.