2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
11 Lens and Cataract
Chapter 4: Embryology and Developmental Defects
Congenital Anomalies and Abnormalities
Persistent Fetal Vasculature
Persistent fetal vasculature (PFV), also known as persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PHPV), is a congenital, nonhereditary ocular malformation that frequently involves the lens (Fig 4-10). In 90% of patients, it is unilateral. A white, fibrous retrolental tissue is present, often in association with posterior cortical opacification. Progressive cataract formation often occurs, sometimes leading to a complete cataract. Other abnormalities associated with PFV include elongated ciliary processes, prominent radial iris vessels, and persistent hyaloid artery. (See BCSC Section 6, Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, and Section 12, Retina and Vitreous, for additional discussion.)
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 11 - Lens and Cataract. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.