Computed tomography in the evaluation of patients with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV).

The computed tomographic (CT) findings in 5 patients with proven persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV) are described. PHPV arises when the embryonic hyaloid vascular system fails to regress normally. Clinically, this condition usually manifests as unilateral or bilateral leukokoria and is one of the more important and frequent conditions mimicking retinoblastoma. The spectrum of CT findings include: (a) soft-tissue replacement (infiltration) of the vitreous body; (b) retrolental soft tissue along the Cloquet canal; (c) absence of abnormal calcification within the orbit; (d) microphthalmus; (e) retrohyaloid layered blood; and (f) hypervascularity of the vitreous humor.