Indian Journal of Ophthalmology

PHOTO ESSAY
Year
: 2019  |  Volume : 67  |  Issue : 10  |  Page : 1704--1705

Vascular perfusion in persistent pupillary membrane of the iris


Michael Chang, David Ancona-Lezama, Carol L Shields 
 Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 840 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, USA

Correspondence Address:
Dr. Carol L Shields
Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University, 840 Walnut Street, Suite 1440, Philadelphia, PA - 19107
USA

Abstract




How to cite this article:
Chang M, Ancona-Lezama D, Shields CL. Vascular perfusion in persistent pupillary membrane of the iris.Indian J Ophthalmol 2019;67:1704-1705


How to cite this URL:
Chang M, Ancona-Lezama D, Shields CL. Vascular perfusion in persistent pupillary membrane of the iris. Indian J Ophthalmol [serial online] 2019 [cited 2024 Mar 28 ];67:1704-1705
Available from: https://journals.lww.com/ijo/pages/default.aspx/text.asp?2019/67/10/1704/267435


Full Text



A 15-month-old Caucasian female with an uncomplicated birth, noted to have leukocoria at 9 weeks of age, later confirmed to be bilateral retinoblastoma. Visual acuity was fix and follow in both eyes (OU). The anterior segment was normal in the right eye (OD) while a persistent pupillary membrane, extending from 10:00 to 5:00 from the collarette region, was noted in the left eye (OS) [Figure 1]a. There was no corectopia, ectropion, iris neovascularization, iris distortion, iris tumor, lens abnormality, or hyphema. No evidence of persistent fetal vasculature on the lens or in the vitreous was observed. Retinoblastoma classification was Group E OD and Group B OS. Genetic analysis confirmed a heterozygous germline RB1 gene mutation.{Figure 1}

Systemic chemotherapy using vincristine, etoposide, and carboplatin was initially employed for six cycles. Due to tumor recurrence, additional intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC) with melphalan and topotecan was required OU. The tumors responded to treatment and remained stable throughout 2 years follow-up with globe preservation.

Fluorescein angiography, used to monitor treatment complications, demonstrated vascular perfusion within the iridopupillary membrane without iris neovascularization or leakage [Figure 1]b. Perfusion remained unchanged throughout therapy.

During embryogenesis, a network of vessels, the hyaloid vascular system, forms to supply the developing eye.[1] Around the third trimester, this structure typically involutes.[2] Failures in this process results in a persistent pupillary membrane.[3] Rarely, these membranes can remain vascularized with hyaloid vessel remnants.[3] Remnants of the membrane, seen as thin white cobweb-like strands over the pupil, have been reported in 17-32% of cases.[4] However, only 0.3% of these cases, clinically, demonstrate vascular perfusion.[4] Most membranes do not justify assessment with fluorescein angiography. In this case, intrinsic flow was incidentally found with angiography.

In summary, we describe a young child with retinoblastoma that demonstrated coincidental vascular perfusion of persistent pupillary membrane.

Declaration of patient consent

The authors certify that they have obtained all appropriate patient consent forms. In the form the patient(s) has/have given his/her/their consent for his/her/their images and other clinical information to be reported in the journal. The patients understand that their names and initials will not be published and due efforts will be made to conceal their identity, but anonymity cannot be guaranteed.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

References

1Goldberg MF. Persistent fetal vasculature (PVF): An integrated interpretation of signs and symptoms associated with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous. Am J Ophthalmol 1997;124:87-626.
2Kraus CL, Lueder GT. Clinical characteristics and surgical approach to visually significant persistent pupillary membranes. J AAPOS 2014;18:596-9.
3Kapoor KG, Baratz KH, Barkmeier AJ. Laser photocoagulation of an avulsed persistent pupillary membrane vessel causing recurrent hyphema. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2013;41:513-7.
4Matsuo N, Smelser GK. Electron microscopic studies on the pupillary membrane: The fine structure of the white strands of the disappearing stage of this membrane. Invest Ophthalmol1971;10:108-19.