Posters

Histological findings in congenital cataracts with persistent fetal vasculature

Poster Details

First Author: N.Ondrova CZECH REPUBLIC

Co Author(s):    J. Cendelin   J. Sach   G. Mahelkova              

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To compare histological structure and to identify the origin of the plaques of posterior capsule found in children during surgery for congenital cataracts and to determine wether these plaques are a form of persistent fetal vasculature (PFV).

Setting:

Ophthalmology clinic of the 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University in Prague, and the Faculty Hospital Motol, Deparment of Pathology, Faculty Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague

Methods:

In this study we examined samples from posterior capsule during cataract surgery in 12 children with congenital cataract (age during surgery from 4 weeks to 6 months), where apart from clouding of the lens material, an abnormality in posterior capsule such as plaques or fibrovascular membranes, were present. This sample was then histologically processed and stained using basic and selective staining techniques, which identified present cellular and intercellular elements.

Results:

The processed samples can be divided into two groups with similar morphology. In the first group we found abundantly cellular material with vasculature or its remnants, which resembles inflammatory infiltration. In the second group the cellular material is present minimally, we mostly found intercellular elements, however we found elements of mesenchymal origin. This indicates dysgenesis in vitreolenticular interface as well.

Conclusions:

These histological findings help us in better understanding of the diverse abnormalities we find in children with congenital cataract and the process of regression of ocular vasculature. Our findings indicate that even less prominent abnormalities in posterior capsule may be the result of dysgemesis of vitreolenticular interface

Financial Disclosure:

None