Management and Outcomes of Posterior Persistent Fetal Vasculature

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Retinal Surgery

Background:

• Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) is a congenital condition affecting the eye.
• Posterior PFV involves structures within the posterior segment of the eye.
• Understanding PFV's clinical features and outcomes is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the clinical features, management strategies, and outcomes of posterior persistent fetal vasculature (PFV).
• To propose a management algorithm for posterior PFV based on a case series.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 96 children diagnosed with posterior PFV between 2011 and 2021.
• Evaluation of clinical characteristics, surgical techniques, and postoperative outcomes.
• Classification of patients based on disease severity and anterior segment involvement.

Main Results:

• Surgery was performed in 89% of patients with an 81% total success rate.
• Anterior segment involvement was noted in 64% of eyes; 42.7% were microphthalmic.
• Postoperative adverse events occurred in 38% of eyes, including ocular hypertension and retinal detachment.

Conclusions:

• Most posterior PFV cases necessitate complex vitreoretinal surgery.
• Surgical goals include retinal flattening, reducing traction, and visual axis clearance.
• A management algorithm for posterior PFV is proposed based on the findings.