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.