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Persistent fetal vasculature: ocular features, management of cataract and outcomes

Marcia Beatriz Tartarella1, Rodrigo Ueno Takahagi, Ana Paula Braga

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Arquivos Brasileiros De Oftalmologia
|August 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) presents variably and is linked to congenital cataracts. While cataract surgery in PFV patients carries risks, 83% of operated eyes showed improved vision.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a congenital eye anomaly resulting from the failure of the primary vitreous to regress.
  • It can lead to significant visual impairment, including congenital cataracts, and requires specialized management.
  • Understanding the ocular features and outcomes is crucial for effective patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the ocular characteristics of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV).
  • To describe the surgical management strategies for congenital cataracts in PFV patients.
  • To evaluate the functional visual outcomes following cataract surgery in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, descriptive case series was conducted.
  • Data from 46 patients (53 eyes) diagnosed with PFV between 2001 and 2012 were analyzed.
  • Ocular features, systemic findings, surgical interventions, and visual acuities pre- and post-operatively were recorded. Ultrasound and eco-Doppler were utilized.

Main Results:

  • The study included 53 eyes with PFV, with a mean age at diagnosis of 22.7 months. Combined anterior and posterior forms were most common (79.2%).
  • Cataract surgery was performed on 38 eyes, with lensectomy and vitrectomy (47.4%) or phacoaspiration (39.5%) being primary methods.
  • Postoperative complications occurred in 50% of operated eyes, yet 83% achieved improved visual acuity.

Conclusions:

  • Persistent fetal vasculature exhibits diverse clinical presentations and is associated with congenital cataracts.
  • Cataract surgery in PFV patients is linked to severe complications but offers significant visual improvement in the majority of cases.
  • This highlights the importance of careful surgical planning and management for favorable visual outcomes.
Abstract

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