Schwartz-Matsuo Syndrome Secondary to Chronic Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: Outer Retinal Corrugations as Novel Diagnostic Biomarker of a Challenging Entity
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: PURPOSE: To report a case of Schwartz-Matsuo syndrome secondary to chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with intraretinal macrocyst formation and to highlight the diagnostic relevance of multimodal imaging findings. BACKGROUND: Schwartz-Matsuo syndrome is an uncommon clinical entity characterized by the triad of chronic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, anterior chamber flare, and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Its diagnosis is often delayed or overlooked due to overlapping features with other glaucomatous or inflammatory conditions. Outer retinal corrugations visible on optical coherence tomography are emerging as useful imaging biomarkers in chronic RRD, reflecting underlying structural and functional disruption of the retina. CASE PRESENTATION: We discuss the case of a 38-year-old male patient without significant past ocular history, presenting with gradual monocular vision loss. Examination revealed anterior chamber flare, elevated IOP, and subtotal shallow retinal detachment. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging identified outer retinal corrugations, while ultrasonography confirmed presence of an intraretinal macrocysts. The constellation of findings led to the diagnosis of Schwartz-Matsuo syndrome. The patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy, with complete anatomical reattachment. Post-operative follow-up was complicated by inferior retinal re-detachment, requiring surgical revision. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates a rare presentation of Schwartz-Matsuo syndrome with intraretinal macrocyst formation. Recognition of outer retinal corrugations as an OCT biomarker of dysregulated rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, alongside clinical signs of anterior chamber inflammation and elevated IOP, was instrumental in guiding diagnosis. Enhanced awareness of these features may facilitate earlier detection and timely surgical intervention in similar cases.
Institutions: University Hospital of Geneva, University of Geneva
Language: English
Topic: Retinal and Macular Surgery
Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7128799145