Unilateral Persistence of the Hyaloid Artery Causing Vitreopapillary and Vitreomacular Traction

Abstract

A man in his mid-20s with unremarkable medical and ocular history presented with long-standing subjectively decreased vision in the left eye relative to the right eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 OS compared with 20/20 OD. Slitlamp examination revealed the persistence of the hyaloid artery in its complete form in the left eye with remnants extending from the optic nerve to the retrolental face. Lenticular involvement was notable for a small posterior polar cataract. Mild vitreopapillary and vitreomacular traction produced retinal striae along the nasal aspect of the macula (Figure).Persistence of the hyaloid artery is a rare fetal remnant hypothesized to stem from developmental abnormalities during the seventh month of gestation. 1 Associated vitreomacular traction is rare, occurring in only 2 of 20 reported cases of persistent hyaloid artery. 2

OCT angiography of persistent hyaloid artery: a case report

“…For diagnosis, slit-lamp examination, fundus examination, fluorescein angiography (FAG), OCT and Doppler ultrasound have been used [3–8, 13, 15]. Gonçalves et al [4] and Chen et al [5] used FAG to check patency and leakage of the PHA, while Goncalves et al reported no blood flow, Chen et al showed proximal filling.…”

“…Despite numerous growth factors and molecules implicated on few studies, factors associated to apoptosis of the hyaloid artery are still unknown [2]. The PHA is associated with rare but severe vitreous hemorrhage (VH), retinal detachment and cataract [2–8].…”

“…In previous reports, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FAG), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Doppler ultrasound were used to diagnose and to check the blood flow of the PHA [3–6, 8]. OCT angiography can visualize peripapillary vessels by detecting the movement of red-blood cells [9].…”

OCT Angiography of Persistent Hyaloid Artery: A case report

“…[2] The PHA is associated with rare but severe vitreous hemorrhage (VH), retinal detachment and cataract. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] In previous reports, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography (FAG), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Doppler ultrasound were used to diagnose and to check the blood flow of the PHA. [3][4][5][6]8] OCT angiography can visualize peripapillary vessels by detecting the movement of redblood cells [9].…”