Vitreous Cytokine Profile in an Eye with a Vasoproliferative Tumor

Purpose: We present a patient with a primary vasoproliferative tumor (VPT) accompanied by vitreous haze and an epiretinal membrane (ERM). We report for the first time the vitreous cytokine profile from an eye with a primary VPT to explore the relationship between intraocular inflammation and these tumors. Methods: Retrospective chart review of a single patient case. Results: 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peel and vitreous biopsy was performed. Peripheral vitreous shave exposed an inferior grey-red mass located at the ora serrata, consistent with VPT. Treatment with confluent, long duration endolaser was performed. Vitreous cytology was negative for malignancy. A 13-cytokine panel (Associated Regional and University Pathologists, Inc. Laboratories, Salt Lake City, UT) revealed elevated interleukin 6 (13.3 pg/mL; normal <=2.0) and interleukin 8 (6.0 pg/mL; normal <=3.0). At one month post-operative, visual acuity improved from 20/40 to 20/25 OD, with mild anterior vitreous inflammation and regression of the VPT. Conclusion: Pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic cytokines were elevated in the vitreous of this patient’s eye with a primary VPT. We suggest that the endothelial cells and macrophages which comprise VPTs could secrete these cytokines into the vitreous, resulting in vitreous haze and an overzealous fibrotic response manifested as ERM formation.