ABSTRACT
Purpose
To evaluate the fluorescein angiography (FA) findings in eyes with spontaneously regressed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
Methods
Fluorescein angiography images of 162 eyes of 81 treatment-naive infants who underwent FA due to retinal vascular immaturity and persistent avascular retina (PAR) despite exceeding postmenstrual age of 60 weeks were analyzed retrospectively. Disc diameter (DD), optic disc-to-fovea distance (FD), the length of temporal retinal vascularization (LTRV), and the length of measurable temporal avascular retina distance (LMTAR), were quantitatively measured.
Results
The mean gestational age and FA imaging age were 29.39 ± 3.13 and 86.51 ± 24.80 weeks postmenstrual, respectively. The mean ratios of LTRV/FD and LMTAR /DD were 4.47 ± 0.36 and 2.21 ± 1.01, respectively. Pigmentary changes were detected in the peripheral retina in 21% of the eyes. There was at least one angiographic finding in 88% of the eyes, but these findings were usually mild. Based on the FA findings, laser photocoagulation was performed to the peripheral avascular retina in ten eyes of five patients
Conclusion
Even in larger preterm infants and without severe retinopathy and anti-VEGF treatment, PAR and peripheral pigmentary changes may be detected, and mild angiographic vascular activity may continue. These findings may lead to late-onset retinal pathologies that may threaten vision. In eyes with PAR, follow-up with FA and prophylactic laser application may be applicable. Further investigation is required for this topic.
Disclosure Statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Patient Consent
Written informed consent was obtained from legal guardians of all infants prior to ROP examination and fluorescein angiography. Written informed consent was obtained from legal guardians of all infants prior to fluorescein angiography imaging for analyzing and publishing the data or photographs for any publication.
Data Availability Statement
We have full access to the data and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and data analysis. All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article (and its supplementary information files).