THE EVOLUTION OF ISOLATED NEOVASCULAR TUFTS ("POPCORN") IN RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY. Issue 7 (July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xue, Kang; Huang, Xin; Xu, Sisi; Zhang, Ting; Wang, Xin; Zhang, Meng; Ruan, Lu; Ni, Yingqin
• Is Part Of: Retina. Volume 40:Issue 7(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-07
• Subjects: evolution -- isolated neovascular tufts -- laser -- regression -- retinopathy of prematurity; Retina -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Retinal Diseases; Vitreous Body; 617.735
• DOI: 10.1097/IAE.0000000000002596
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0275-004X

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: To explore the natural evolution of isolated neovascular tufts ("popcorn") in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its significance in the progression of acute ROP. Methods: In this retrospective case series, 89 infants (89 eyes) in total having acute ROP were analyzed during serial retinal examinations with a RetCam III wide-angle fundus imaging system, among which 53 eyes were observed to have popcorn and 36 eyes did not. The clinical outcomes of the popcorn (+) group and the popcorn (−) group were compared. Results: Popcorn was located only in Zone II, Stage 2 ROP, primarily in the temporal field (65%). It appeared at a mean postmenstrual age of (37.6 ± 1.3) weeks, disappeared at (41.0 ± 2.2) weeks, and lasted for (2.8 ± 1.1) weeks. The popcorn (+) group had a significantly higher natural regression incidence than the popcorn (−) group ( P < 0.05). The laser-treated eyes in the popcorn (+) group had earlier presentations (36.4 ± 0.7 vs. 38.2 ± 1.3 weeks) and shorter existences (1.5 ± 0.5 vs. 3.2 ± 0.9 weeks) of popcorn than the regressed eyes ( P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Popcorn is generally a "benign" indicator of the regression of ROP. The early presentation (<postmenstrual age 37 weeks) and short duration of popcorn require further observation. Abstract : This study explores the evolution of isolated neovascular tufts ("popcorn") in retinopathy of prematurity and compares the outcomes of the popcorn (+) group and the popcorn (−) group. In general, it is a benign indicator of retinopathy of prematurity regression. But the early presentation and short duration of popcorn require further observation.