Retinal vascularization from a new angle: A systematic review of temporal retinal vessel angles in familial exudative...

Retinal temporal vessel angles (TVA) could function as a clinical marker to reflect the structural and functional integrity of the macular region. We aimed to systematically search and appraise all literature investigating the association between temporal vessel angles (TVA) and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR).

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. We identified articles examining the association between TVA and FEVR by systematically searching PubMed, Medline, EMBASE and SCOPUS, on January 15, 2024. Additional studies were located through hand searching and content area expert contributions. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale.

We identified 767 papers in the initial search. After screening 333 papers, three papers were included in the review. In all three studies, the FEVR group had a significantly smaller temporal retinal vessel angle compared to healthy full-term infants or infants with retinopathy of prematurity. Narrower temporal vessel angles have been found to be associated with the presence and progression of FEVR as compared to normal controls. No consensus about the normal threshold angle has been reached.

These data suggest that TVA measurement may serve as a clinical biomarker for the progression of FEVR. Thus, this correlation underscores the importance of TVA as a diagnostic and prognostic tool, potentially facilitating earlier intervention and more tailored treatment strategies. A standardized method of measuring TVA will enable a better understanding of its association with FEVR severity.