Purpose: Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) may be associated with tractional retinal detachment due to tractional contraction of the fibrovascular stalk. PFV is often thought to be congenital and non-progressive. A rhegmatogenous component is far less common and is typically identified as a post-operative complication and has not been spontaneously reported. We present five cases illustrating potential progressive changes and complications that may arise in non-operated PFV.
Methods: 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 PFV and a seemingly stable tractional detachment should undergo evaluation with a retina specialist for risk stratification and management, as rhegmatogenous detachments may occur due to ocular growth and stretch breaks, and tractional detachments can continue to progress over time.