Rapid progression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy to tractional retinal detachment during chemotherapy: A case report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Tractional retinal detachment is an advanced vision-threatening stage of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Systemic stressors such as malignancy and chemotherapy may accelerate retinal ischemia and neovascular activity, particularly when ophthalmic treatment adherence is interrupted. A 52-year-old man with a 10-year history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and Stage III diffuse large B-cell lymphoma presented with progressive visual loss after missing intravitreal therapy for five months during chemotherapy. Examination and optical coherence tomography confirmed macula-involving tractional retinal detachment with fibrovascular proliferation and a peripheral retinal break. Pars plana vitrectomy with membrane peeling, endolaser photocoagulation, air tamponade, and intraoperative ranibizumab resulted in retinal reattachment and partial visual recovery. Multiple systemic and treatment-related factors, including treatment interruption, may contribute to the rapid progression of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Patients undergoing systemic cancer therapy require close ophthalmic monitoring and individualized treatment strategies emphasizing durability.
DOI: 10.25259/lajo_6_2026
Authors: Hesham Kassim, Nihal Ahmed, Sana Anjum Syed
Institution: Management and Science University
Language: English
Subfield: Ophthalmology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7171126791