Outcomes of small gauge pars plicata vitrectomy for patients with persistent fetal vasculature: a report of 105 cases.

AIM

To evaluate the surgical outcomes in eyes with persistent fetal vasculatures (PFV) managed by small gauge pars plicata vitrectomy.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with PFV treated by small gauge pars plicata vitrectomy at Beijing Tongren Eye Center between January 2010 and January 2013 were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 118 eyes of 105 patients with PFV were included and undergone small gauge pars plicata vitrectomy, of which 84 (71.2%) eyes had lensectomy and 16 (13.6%) eyes had lens aspiration and immediate intraocular lens implantation. The percentage of sutured scleral incision of 23 gauge vitrectomy (71.7%, 33/46) was higher than that of the 25 gauge vitrectomy (18.1%, 13/72). At last follow-up, visual acuity remained stable in 34 eyes (28.8%) and improved in 84 eyes (71.2%). Age at surgery (less than 2y), anterior type of PFV, and immediate IOL implantation were associated with postoperative improved visual acuity. Sixty five (55.1%) eyes had retinal detachment preoperatively, among which 33 (50.8%, 33/65) eyes had retinal reattachment or partial retinal reattachment.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that cases with PFV have a potential for developing good visual acuity after small gauge pars plicata vitrectomy with favorable anatomic outcomes and acceptable rate of serious surgical complications.