AUTHOR=Fang Dong , Su Jindi , Chen Lu , Zhang Shaochong 

TITLE=The Role of Internal Limiting Membrane as a Biomarker in the Evolution of Myopic Traction Maculopathy

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Medicine

VOLUME=Volume 8 - 2021

YEAR=2022

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2021.802626

DOI=10.3389/fmed.2021.802626

ISSN=2296-858X

ABSTRACT=Purpose. To describe the longitudinal structural changes of myopic traction maculopathy (MTM) based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to detect biomarkers in the evolution of MTM.
Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on patients with MTM as defined by OCT. A minimum follow-up of 6 months was necessary for study inclusion. The effects of comprehensive OCT-based structure on the evolution of MTM, the progression rates and resolution rates of MTM, were evaluated. 
Results. One hundred and twenty eyes (120 patients) were included with an average follow-up of 15.4 months. During the follow-up, MTM progressed in 32 eyes (26.67%). The most common pattern of progression observed was the increased extent of retinoschisis in 12 eyes. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of MTM progression had a significant correlation with internal limiting membrane (ILM) detachment and retinoschisis involved the entire macula at baseline. Five eyes (4.17%) experienced MTM resolution, of which 2 developed disruptions of detached ILM, two developed disruptions of epiretinal membrane, and one developed partial posterior vitreous detachment. Eyes with foveal detachment showed the highest progression rate (41.67%) and highest resolution rate (16.67%) compared to the eyes with other foveal complications. 
Conclusion. ILM detachment is a risk factor for MTM progression, MTM resolution can occur after ILM disruption. These suggested that ILM may play an important role as a biomarker in the evolution of MTM.