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Updated: Jul 16, 2026
Experimental Models for Study of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Physiology and Pathophysiology
Published on: November 6, 2010
CASE SERIES OF PROGRESSIVE RETINAL DETACHMENTS IN PERSISTENT FETAL VASCULATURE
Nicole Somani1, Jiwei Sheng2, Prethy Rao3,4
1Cullen Eye Institute/Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
Purpose:
Persistent fetal vasculature may be associated with tractional retinal detachment due to tractional contraction of the fibrovascular stalk. Persistent fetal vasculature is often believed to be congenital and nonprogressive. A rhegmatogenous component is far less common and is typically identified as a postoperative complication and has not been spontaneously reported. The authors present five cases illustrating potential progressive changes and complications that may arise in nonoperated persistent fetal vasculature.
Methods:
This was a retrospective case series of five patients who presented with progressive retinal detachments from persistent fetal vasculature.
Results:
Five unique cases of persistent fetal vasculature with significant progression from time of initial presentation, four of which included development of rhegmatogenous components.
Conclusion:
Patients with persistent fetal vasculature and a seemingly stable tractional detachment should undergo evaluation with a retinal specialist for risk stratification and management because rhegmatogenous detachments may occur due to ocular growth and stretch breaks, and tractional detachments can continue to progress over time.
