Subretinal perfluorodecalin toxicity.

BACKGROUND: Subretinal injection of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL) can occur during vitreoretinal surgery. The long-term effects of this complication are not well established. METHODS: A case report is presented of a patient with retained subretinal perfluorodecalin following retinal detachment repair for a giant retinal tear. RESULTS: In the early postoperative period, the macular retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) became opalescent in appearance and by 2 months postoperatively the patient developed macular RPE atrophy with resulting poor central vision. CONCLUSIONS: Toxicity of subretinal perfluorodecalin causing RPE atrophy is proposed. We recommend all traces of PFCL should be removed if possible.