Retinopathy of Prematurity Versus Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy: Report on Clinical and Angiographic Findings

Abstract

Background and objective: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) are classified as distinct diseases; however, emerging genetic research and fluoresce-in angiographic evidence suggest a margin of overlap between the two. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was an institutional review board-approved, retrospective case series. A literature review was performed, and medical records of all pediatric patients who underwent examination under anesthesia and laser for FEVR at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Pediatric Retina Service by one of the authors (AMB) from Jan. 1, 2006, to June 30, 2013, were analyzed retrospectively.

Results: Nine infants born prematurely had fluorescein angiograms and a clinical course most consistent with FEVR. Angiographic findings included irregular sprouts of vascularization at the vascular/ avascular junction, distinct pruning of vessels, pinpoint areas of hyperfluorescence, and segmental areas of vascular leakage.

Conclusion: The authors propose a classification of ROPER (ROP vs. FEVR) to more accurately stratify these patients. Identification of this subset of patients will allow for sustained surveillance of infants with ROPER who demonstrate a continuing risk of disease activity.