Overlapping clinical features of persistent fetal vasculature and combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium

Purpose

To investigate cases exhibiting overlapping features of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV) and combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium (CHRRPE) and to explore potential associations between these developmental ocular anomalies.

Methods

This retrospective, descriptive case series included 9 eyes of 8 patients aged 0-7 years with shared clinical features of PFV and CHRRPE. Diagnoses were established through clinical examination and intraoperative findings.

Results

All eyes exhibited elevated pigmented retinal thickening, increased vascular tortuosity, and preretinal fibrotic/gliotic changes or epiretinal membranes. Macular involvement was observed in 56% of cases; peripapillary involvement, in 44%. Four eyes showed hyaloid stalklike fibrotic remnants extending from the lesion to the posterior lens surface, suggestive of PFV component; the other 5 harbored isolated CHRRPE. One patient presented with PFV in one eye and CHRPPE in the other.

Conclusions

This study reveals significant clinical overlap between PFV and CHRRPE, with some cases displaying features typically associated with the other condition. The presence of both diagnoses in the same patient further suggests a potential association between these entities. Further research, including molecular studies, is needed to explore this potential connection and deepen our understanding of ocular development.