Outcomes and Complications 5 Years After Surgery for Pediatric Cataract Associated With Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

PURPOSE: To report 5-year outcomes after surgery for cataract associated with persistent fetal vasculature (PFV). DESIGN: Clinical cohort study using pediatric cataract registry data collected annually from medical records. METHODS: This study included 64 children <13 years of age who were undergoing surgery for unilateral, nontraumatic cataract associated with PFV. Proportions with age-normal visual acuity (VA) and VA better than 20/200 at 5 years' follow-up were estimated. Cumulative incidences of complications and additional surgeries by 5 years were calculated. Outcomes were compared between eyes with unilateral PFV and eyes with unilateral non-PFV cataract from our registry. RESULTS: Forty-eight of 64 eyes were aphakic postoperatively (median age at surgery 2 months [range 1-13 months]) and 16 were pseudophakic (29 months [range 2-92 months]). Overall, 4 of 42 eyes (10% [95% confidence interval {CI} 3%-23%]) achieved age-normal VA. VA better than 20/200 was achieved in 17 (59% [95% CI 39%-76%]) unilateral aphakic PFV eyes and 44 (43% [95% CI 32%-54%]) unilateral non-PFV aphakic eyes (age-adjusted odds ratio = 1.90 [95% CI 0.81-4.50]; P = .14). The most common complication in aphakic PFV eyes was glaucoma-related adverse events (cumulative incidence 24% [95% CI 9%-37%]). There was no significant difference in glaucoma-related adverse events between PFV and non-PFV eyes in aphakic participants ≤1 year of age at lensectomy (age-adjusted hazard ratio = 1.20 [95% CI 0.54-2.64], P = .66). CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of visual outcomes for PFV cataract were observed with a 10% probability of achieving age-normal VA. There was an ongoing risk for the development of glaucoma-related adverse events in PFV eyes.

Intraoperative OCT Angiography in Pediatric Patients with Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

PURPOSE: To describe abnormalities of the optic nerve microvasculature in patients with persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and their fellow eyes using OCT angiography (OCTA). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS: Fifty eyes of 25 patients with PFV who underwent prospective imaging using supine OCTA during examination under anesthesia at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute from March 1, 2019, to December 31, 2022. METHODS: OCT angiography images of the optic nerve of the included patients were analyzed with a primary focus on blood flow. Demographic, clinical, and treatment factors were compared with morphologic changes in the optic disc microvasculature. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of optic nerve microvascular abnormalities on OCTA in the affected and fellow eyes of patients with PFV. RESULTS: A total of 50 eyes from 25 patients were reviewed, and 28% (7/25) met image quality criteria for OCTA analysis. Optic nerve OCTA showed a persistent hyaloid artery (PHA) in all (7/7) PFV eyes analyzed. Of these, flow on OCTA was detectable in 57% (4/7). A Bergmeister papilla was evident in 100% (25/25) fellow eyes, of which flow was detected in 68% (17/25). Fluorescein angiography (FA) demonstrated blood flow within the stalk in 40% (10/25) of PFV eyes and within the Bergmeister papilla in 25% (6/25) of fellow eyes. Similar findings of abnormal blood flow and presence of fibrovascular stalk were seen in both treatment-naïve and treated groups. CONCLUSIONS: OCT angiography allows for high-resolution visualization of subtle vascular abnormalities that are not readily apparent using RetCam FA and may serve as a useful noninvasive test to confirm the patency of the PHA and Bergmeister papilla in children. The results of the present study suggest that PFV may be a bilateral and asymmetric process. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Coexistence of persistent fetal vasculature and retinoblastoma in the same eye.

BACKGROUND: As retinoblastoma (RB) is the most frequent primary intraocular malignant tumor in childhood, it should be the main pathology to rule out in pediatric patients with leukocoria. Persistence of fetal vasculature (PFV) is within the differential diagnosis of leukocoria, a vitreous disorder arising from a defect in the involution of the hyaloid vasculature in the embryonic stage, which affects normal ocular development and commonly produces associated microophthalmia. An early diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial for a better prognosis and life expectancy of the child. CASE REPORT: We present a case of retinoblastoma and coexisting with PFV: a 2-years-and 11-months-old male with no red reflex, and vasculature and yellowish-white membrane behind the lens of the right eye. B-mode ultrasound with disorganization of the vitreous cavity with high reflectivity echoes suggestive of calcification. On examination we found an enlarged eyeball, rubeosis iridis, posterior vasculature, intraocular pressure 28 mmHg. Computed tomography with heterogeneous intraocular mass with hyperdense regions. With a diagnosis of probable retinoblastoma, enucleation was performed. Histopathology reported moderately differentiated retinoblastoma coexisting with PFV. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of these two diagnoses in the same eye is very rare due to the different pathophysiology.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El retinoblastoma (RB) es el tumor maligno primario intraocular más frecuente en la infancia y debe ser la principal patología a descartar en los pacientes pediátricos con leucocoria. La persistencia de la vasculatura fetal (PVF) está dentro del diagnóstico diferencial de la leucocoria, un trastorno del vítreo que surge de un defecto en la involución de la vasculatura hialoidea en la etapa embrionaria que afecta al desarrollo ocular normal y comúnmente produce microoftalmia asociada. El diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno son cruciales para un buen pronóstico y mejor esperanza de vida del infante. CASO CLÍNICO: Presentamos un caso de coexistencia de retinoblastoma y PVF: paciente de sexo masculino de 2 años y 11 meses sin reflejo rojo y vasculatura y membrana blanco-amarillenta detrás del cristalino en el ojo derecho. La ecografía en modo B con desorganización de la cavidad vítrea con ecos de alta reflectividad sugestivos de calcificación. A la exploración se observó globo ocular agrandado, rubeosis iridis, vasculatura posterior, presión intraocular 28 mmHg. Tomografía computarizada con masa intraocular heterogénea con regiones hiperdensas. Con diagnóstico de probable retinoblastoma, se realizó la enucleación. La histopatología informó el hallazgo de retinoblastoma moderadamente diferenciado coexistente con PVF. CONCLUSIONES: El hallazgo de estos dos diagnósticos en un mismo ojo es muy poco frecuente debido a la diferente fisiopatología.

Non-typical persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous: a rare case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), also known as persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), is a clinical entity that traditionally presents with leukocoria, microphthalmia, retinal dysplasia, or eyeball shrinkage which is associated with poor vision. However, there is a dearth of literature on cases of PHPV in adulthood or with asymptomatic occurrence. This report presents the clinical and pathological findings of a non-typical PHPV case and discuss the current knowledge for this condition. CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old healthy male was referred to our outpatient department for evaluation of age-related cataract without other visual symptoms. Preoperative fundus examination occasionally detected an isolated stalk-like band extending to the posterior pole of the eye with normal central vitreous and retina. Other ocular examinations including b-mode ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography did not unveil any abnormalities, which caused diagnostic uncertainty. We referred to cataract surgery along with histopathological study, that revealed characteristics of PHPV including fibrous connective tissues mainly composed of fibrocyte proliferation and a very few capillary vessels. Thereafter, a definitive diagnosis of non-typical PHPV was established. CONCLUSION: Our case is unique due to it was not discovered until adulthood, presence with only age-related cataract, and accompanied with normal central vitreous and retina. Histopathological explorations lead to an accurate diagnosis of the condition. Those results broaden the phenotype spectrums of PHPV and further provide clinical clues for the cognition of the disease.

Severe anterior persistent fetal vasculature: the role of anterior retinal elongation on prognosis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate surgical outcomes of eyes with severe anterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and the role of associated anatomical anomalies on prognosis. METHODS: This is a retrospective, comparative case series of 32 eyes of 31 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery for severe anterior PFV, defined as fibrovascular tissue totally covering the back of cataractous lens. Based on the degree of anterior retinal elongations, cases were classified as follows: group 1, eyes with well-developed pars plana and minor/no abnormalities (n = 11, 34%); group 2, eyes with partially developed pars plana and broad-based elongations (n = 9, 28%); and group 3, eyes with no visible pars plana and fibrovascular membrane having 360° continuity with peripheral retina (n = 12, 38%). Complications and functional and anatomical outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: The median surgical age was 2 (1-12) months. The median follow-up was 26 (6-120) months. Seventy-three percent in group 1 achieved finger counting or better vision with a single surgery and without any pupillary/retinal complication. Groups 2 and 3 required 2.1 ± 0.9 and 2.6 ± 1.2 surgeries on average. Pupillary obliteration and RD occurred in 33% and 22% in group 2 and 58% and 67% in group 3. Retina remained attached after silicone oil removal in 89% of group 2 and 25% of group 3. Phthisis developed in 50% in group 3. CONCLUSION: Peripheral retinal anomalies are common in severe anterior PFV and have a major impact on prognosis. Prognosis is favorable in cases with mild-to-moderate anomalies with appropriate management of possible retinal tears. In eyes with 360° retinal elongations, severe fibrous proliferation and eventual eye loss are common.

Management and Outcomes of Posterior Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

PURPOSE: To describe clinical features, management, and outcomes of posterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and suggest a management algorithm. DESIGN: Retrospective, consecutive case series. PARTICIPANTS: All children diagnosed with posterior PFV and treated or followed at the Rothschild Foundation Hospital in France between June 2011 and September 2021. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the clinical characteristics of posterior PFV. We reported age, gender, presenting symptoms, intraocular pressure, and visual acuity (VA) at diagnosis. Patients were divided into 4 groups depending on the severity and involvement or not of anterior segment. We reported the vitreoretinal surgical techniques used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anatomic results, ocular hypertension, best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), presence of postoperative adverse events, and additional surgical interventions were recorded at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Ninety-six patients were included. The median age at diagnosis was 8 months (IQR = 12), mean 18.9 ± 30.9 months) with a mean follow-up of 27 ± 31.2 months. Although PFV is often an isolated disease, it was associated with a systemic disease in 8% of cases. There was anterior involvement in 62 (64%) of eyes. Forty-one eyes (42.7%) were microphthalmic and more frequently associated with severe PFV (53% vs. 25%; P = 0.01). Surgery was performed in 85 patients (89%). Of them, 69 (81%) had a total success, 5 (6%) had a partial success due to persistent limited peripheral retinal detachment (RD), and 11 (13%) had a failure due to persistent total RD after surgery. Postoperative adverse events occured in 38 eyes including ocular hypertension requiring eye drop medication (7.1%), secondary cell proliferation around the intraocular lens (8.2%), intravitreal hemorrhages (7.1%), and persistent tractional RD (10.6%). Second surgery was performed in 18 patients (21%). At last follow-up, VA could be measured in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution in 43 children (45%), light perception in 21 eyes (22%), and no light perception or impossible to assess in 32 eyes (33%). CONCLUSIONS: In our case series, most patients presenting with posterior PFV received complex vitreoretinal surgery. Goals of the surgery vary and include retinal flattening, reduction of vitreoretinal traction, freeing of visual axis, and aesthetic concerns. We propose a surgical and medical management algorithm for PFV. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Outcomes on Axial Length Elongation in Eyes with Posterior and Combined Persistent Fetal Vasculature.

This study aims to investigate the outcomes and risk factors associated with poor vision (vision less than counting fingers, 2.0 logMAR, Snellen vision 20/2000) in patients with posterior or combined persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), with or without surgery. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who were diagnosed with PFV from January 2008 to April 2021. We included 51 eyes of 44 patients who presented with PFV, of which 38 eyes underwent surgical correction (pars plicata/plana vitrectomy, with or without lensectomy, and intraocular lens implantation) at the median age of 6.0 months (range: 0.7 to 82.0). The mean follow-up was 68.8 months ± 38.0 months. The axial length change in the eyes undergoing surgery was significantly higher than the eyes without surgery (p = 0.025). Initial anterior chamber collapse and retinal detachment were associated with poor vision (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively). In addition, 37% of eyes with posterior or combined PFV had vision better than counting fingers. Surgery for eyes with PFV could result in better eye growth. Visual outcomes remained poor and were associated with the level of macular abnormality. Initial anterior chamber collapse and retinal detachment at presentation were the risk factors for poor visual outcomes. Vitrectomy for selected PFV eyes is valuable and associated with a better cosmetic outcome (better eye growth).

First implication of MIP in bilateral microphthalmia with persistent fetal vasculature.

Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a rare malformative ocular disorder resulting from the failure of the hyaloid vasculature to regress. The severity of the visual impairment is depending on the underlying eye defects, ranging from discreet hyaloid remnants to severe ocular anomalies. Although PFV is generally unilateral, sporadic and idiopathic, a genetic cause has been described in some individuals, especially those presenting with a bilateral and/or syndromic form of PFV. The genes occasionally described in PFV are most often responsible for a wide spectrum of ocular phenotypes such as ATOH7 or NDP, a gene also known to be involved in Norrie disease, a X-linked vitreoretinopathy with extra-ocular features. We describe here a patient with an ocular phenotype consisting in non-syndromic bilateral PFV with cataract and microphthalmia, in whom a recurrent heterozygous de novo MIP disease-causing variant was detected after using a dedicated 119-ocular genes panel approach. Defects in the MIP gene are classically associated with dominant non-syndromic congenital cataract without other ocular malformative features. Thus, this case highlights the value of exploring individuals with PFV, even those with non-syndromic forms. It also broadens the phenotypic spectrum of the MIP gene, adding new insights into the gene networks underlying PFV pathophysiology, that remains unclear.

Viscodelamination of Localized Retrolental Plaques During Lens-Sparing Vitrectomy in Eyes With Pediatric Tractional Vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To report viscodelamination of localized retrolental plaques during lens-sparing vitrectomy in eyes with pediatric tractional vitreoretinopathy. METHODS: Viscodelamination of retrolental plaques was performed during 23-gauge lens-sparing vitrectomy in 11 eyes from 11 children with a median age (range) of 12 (4-58) months. There were five eyes with Stage 4 familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, one eye with Stage 4B retinopathy of prematurity, and five eyes with anterior-posterior persistent fetal vasculature syndrome. Retrolental plaques were separated from the posterior lens capsule by the tension of viscoelastic injection in the Berger's space. RESULTS: In 10 of 11 eyes, retrolental plaques were removed from posterior surface of lens without capsular tearing. During the 12-month to 18-month follow-up period, lens clarity along the visual axis was retained in 5 eyes with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, one eye with retinopathy of prematurity, and 2 of 5 eyes with persistent fetal vasculature. Atraumatic viscodelamination was associated with retrolental plaques that did not incorporate into the posterior lens capsule. Retinal dragging was reversed in all 11 eyes. CONCLUSION: Viscodelamination may be effective for the dissection of retrolental plaques related to pediatric vitreoretinopathy in selected cases.

Wide-field Fundus Imaging and Fluorescein Angiography Findings in Various Pseudoretinoblastoma Conditions.

PURPOSE: To report wide-field fundus imaging and fluorescein angiography findings in conditions mimicking retinoblastoma (pseudoretinoblastoma). METHODS: The clinical and imaging records of 28 patients (36 eyes) imaged with RetCam 3 (Clarity Medical Systems, Inc) wide-field fundus photography and fluorescein angiography who were diagnosed as having various pseudoretinoblastoma disorders between February 2020 and August 2021 were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Most patients were referred with suspicion of retinoblastoma. Other patients had unresolved eye conditions and received initial treatment elsewhere and they were referred later for exclusion of retinoblastoma. On RetCam fundus photography and fluorescein angiography, pseudoretinoblastoma conditions were diagnosed as Coats disease (9 eyes), congenital glaucoma (3 eyes), persistent fetal vasculature (3 eyes), familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (2 eyes), retinopathy of prematurity (2 eyes), myelinated retinal nerve fibers (2 eyes), optic nerve hypoplasia (2 eyes), oculocutaneous albinism (2 eyes), meridional fold (2 eyes), combined hamartoma of retina and retinal pigment epithelium (2 eyes), grouped congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (1 eye), retinal astrocytic hamartoma (1 eye), morning glory syndrome (1 eye), optic glioma (1 eye), giant choroidal nevus (1 eye), vasculitis (1 eye), and chorioretinitis (1 eye). RetCam imaging and fluorescein angiography demonstrated telangiectasias, microaneurysms, submacular exudation/fibrosis, capillary non-perfusion, and exudation posterior to telangiectasias in Coats disease. Hypofluorescent optic discs, peripheral non-perfusion, and vascular leakage were observed in congenital glaucoma. Large areas of capillary non-perfusion, poor foveal morphology/formation, elongated ciliary processes with hyperfluorescent central core, and hyperfluorescent fibrovascular stalk at the posterior pole were hallmarks of persistent fetal vasculature. CONCLUSIONS: RetCam wide-field fundus imaging and fluorescein angiography play an important role in the diagnosis of conditions simulating retinoblastoma. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(1):60-74.].

Late surgery for unilateral persistent fetal vasculature: long-term visual and anatomic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a congenital anomaly caused by failure of the ocular vasculature to regress. We report the visual and anatomic outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for PFV between 7-48 months of age. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent lensectomy and anterior or core vitrectomy for unilateral PFV, with or without intraocular lens implantation, were reviewed retrospectively. Inclusion criteria were surgery between 7-48 months of age and at least 12 months of follow-up. Patients with severe posterior segment involvement were excluded. The primary outcome was the final visual acuity using age-appropriate tests converted to logMAR. Secondary outcomes included the rate of adverse events and number of subsequent intraocular procedures. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients with a mean age at surgery of 19.3 ± 10.5 months and mean follow-up of 73.7 ± 46.7 months were included. Sixteen patients had delayed surgery due to late presentation; the remaining 4 were managed initially with refractive correction and occlusion. Eight patients (40%) achieved a final visual acuity better than 1.0 logMAR. Four eyes had adverse events, including one retinal detachment. No patient developed glaucoma. Four eyes underwent subsequent procedures. CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, surgery for unilateral PFV between 7-48 months of age achieved functional visual acuity in over one-third of patients. This is comparable to results achieved with surgery before 7 months of age, but with fewer adverse events. Differences in disease severity could account for later PFV presentation and surgery as well as outcomes.

Case report: tuberous sclerosis and persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous.

BACKGROUND: Persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) in a patient with tuberous sclerosis (TS) has been described in one previous case report in 1999. Otherwise, there is no literature around this potential association. We describe a case of an infant with TS and PHPV. CASE PRESENTATION: An 11-month old male was under investigation for leukocoria, microphthalmia and suspected PHPV after being seen in ophthalmology clinic. He presented to hospital with seizures and was diagnosed with TS on imaging. Imaging also showed the known microphthalmia and a mass associated with the lens. Subsequent paediatric ophthalmology review and examination under anaesthesia confirmed microphthalmia, PHPV and a retrolental mass which was thought to represent total retinal detachment or a retinal hamartoma within a retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: This is the second case report of PHPV in a patient with TS. The previous case report postulated that the atypical location of the retinal hamartoma was secondary to the abnormal globe development in PHPV.

Ambliopia severa na infância relacionada à persistência da vasculatura fetal / Severe childhood amblyopia associated to persistence of fetal vasculature

RESUMO A persistência do vítreo primário hiperplásico, atualmente referida como persistência da vasculatura fetal, é uma anomalia congênita que resulta da não regressão do vítreo vascular primário e do sistema da artéria hialoide durante a embriogênese. Trata-se de uma anomalia unilateral na maioria dos casos, esporádica e comumente não associada a nenhum outro achado sistêmico. Clinicamente, essa condição pode ser classificada em persistência anterior e em persistência posterior da vasculatura fetal. A condição anterior está relacionada ao sistema da artéria ciliar, enquanto a persistência da vasculatura posterior associa-se à artéria hialoide e pode apresentar anormalidades, com desfecho visual desfavorável. A detecção da persistência do vítreo primário hiperplásico é de suma importância, visto que é um diagnóstico diferencial para retinoblastoma. O relato de caso a seguir descreve o acompanhamento ambulatorial em um Serviço de Oftalmologia de uma criança do sexo masculino com persistência da vasculatura fetal unilateral e sem alterações sistêmicas.

ABSTRACT Hyperplastic primary vitreous persistence, currently referred to as fetal vasculature persistence, is a congenital anomaly that results from non-regression of the primary vascular vitreous and hyaloid artery system during embryogenesis. It is a unilateral anomaly in the vast majority of cases, sporadic and commonly not associated with any other systemic finding. Clinically, this condition can be classified into anterior and posterior persistence of fetal vasculature. The anterior condition is related to the ciliary artery system, while the persistence of the posterior vasculature is associated with the hyaloid artery, which may present abnormalities with an unfavorable visual outcome. Detecting persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous is of paramount importance, as it is a differential diagnosis for retinoblastoma. The following case report describes the outpatient follow-up at the ophthalmology service of the Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM) of a male child with persistent unilateral fetal vasculature and no systemic changes.

Pseudo-hyaloidal Stalk in Anterior Persistent Fetal Vasculature: A Report of Two Cases.

Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) syndrome is characterized by abnormal regression of the fetal hyaloid system and may occur in various forms. In this report, two atypical cases associated with posterior capsular defect and ectopic lens material located along Cloquet's canal are discussed. Ultrasonography of these patients presenting with bilateral total cataracts revealed a hyaloidal stalk extending from the optic nerve head to the retrolental area. During lensectomy, it was observed that lens particles were moving anteriorly from the central mid-vitreous to the aspiration port and that the posterior capsule was developmentally defective. There was no pathological vascular remnant, rather the lens material partially filled Cloquet's canal through the opening in the posterior capsule and created a pseudo-stalk appearance on the preoperative ultrasonography. We aim to discuss possible mechanisms underlying these cases, which may help to improve our understanding of the PFV spectrum.

Bilateral anterior segment dysgenesis and persistent fetal vasculature associated with terminal 10q26 deletion.

Deletion of the 26q position on chromosome 10 results in a syndrome with well-documented systemic phenotypes. There are few reports of ophthalmic manifestations in terminal 10q26 deletion. We report a 4-week-old boy with terminal 10q26 deletion who had extensive ophthalmic abnormalities, including bilateral anterior segment dysgenesis and bilateral persistent fetal vasculature, with microphthalmia, microcornea, iris corectopia, congenital cataracts, and posterior embryotoxon.