Multilayer Microstructure of Idiopathic Epiretinal Macular Membranes

European Journal of Ophthalmology
Claudio AzzoliniRiccardo Vinciguerra

Abstract

To identify the ultramicroscopic structure of idiopathic epiretinal macular membranes (iEMMs) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We examined 28 iEMMs surgically removed from 28 eyes of 28 patients. All specimens, previously observed at stereomicroscope, were treated with an osmium maceration technique. Fine resolution of iEMMs' 3D architecture and their interaction with the retina were studied using a Philips SEM-FEG XL-30 microscope. The specimens appeared as laminar connective structures partially or completely adherent to the inner limiting membrane (ILM). We identified 4 types of structures: ( 1 ) distinct layers of thin sheets of woven fibers; ( 2 ) folded layers of inhomogeneous thickness of fibrous material more consistent; ( 3 ) thicker and more rigid layers recognizable as collagen fibrils with typical 64-nm period, collagen fibrils isolated or intermingled between them; ( 4 ) lacunar structures with inflammatory and/or necrotic material. The first 3 types of structures appear to thicken towards a centripetal direction from the ILM to the vitreous in order from 1 to 3. The interface of ILM-iEMM tissue shows particular small bridges of connection. Cells are rarely found, especially in the tissue near the ILM. Layers...Continue Reading

References

Dec 11, 2002·Clinical & Experimental Optometry : Journal of the Australian Optometrical Association·Rufina Chan, H Barry Collin
Aug 17, 2004·Graefe's Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology = Albrecht Von Graefes Archiv Für Klinische Und Experimentelle Ophthalmologie·J Sebag
Oct 19, 2004·American Journal of Ophthalmology·Claudio AzzoliniRosario Brancato
Jun 23, 2011·Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science·Ludovico IannettiPaola Pivetti-Pezzi
Feb 27, 2013·Acta Ophthalmologica·Nakul MandalMorten la Cour
Apr 20, 2013·Archivos de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología·M García-FernándezM Fonollá Gil
Jul 5, 2013·Ophthalmology·Marco LombardoSebastiano Serrao
Jun 26, 2015·Retina·Marco LombardoSebastiano Serrao

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Citations

May 18, 2019·Journal of Ophthalmology·Simone DonatiClaudio Azzolini
Aug 31, 2019·Journal of Ophthalmology·Rino FrisinaGiandomenico Nollo

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Methods Mentioned

BETA
dissection

Software Mentioned

Tune
Proteome Discoverer
Xcalibur
iEMM

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