Traction retinal detachment due to preretinal proliferation of surface epithelium

A seven-year-old boy sustained severe blunt trauma with globe rupture. After repair of the globe and lensectomy and vitrectomy, a fistula was noted along with epithelial downgrowth on the posterior surface of the cornea. Extensive peripheral preretinal membrane formation resulted in traction retinal detachment. The fistula was excised and the preretinal membranes were removed. Pathologic examination of the membrane revealed it to be composed of surface epithelium. Retinal reattachment was achieved with intravitreal injection of silicone oil. This case illustrates that surface epithelium can proliferate on the inner retina and can lead to tractional retinal detachment.