Fetal cataract: in utero manifestations of cryptic disease

Results During ten years overall, 8 cases with antenatal identification of fetal cataract were reviewed. Diagnosis ranged from 11-34 week’s gestation, with a mean of 15 weeks. Extra ocular anomalies were demonstrated in 6 cases (mainly central nervous system, cardiac and renal system). Additional intra-ocular abnormalities were detected in two cases; one with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous (PVPH) and one with bilateral retinal detachment. All cases but one involved cataract in both eyes. The case of a unilateral cataract was associated with microphthalmic aphakia. All cases had negative serology for TORCHs. Seven out of eight cases were terminated. The only one who survived developed in utero cataract secondary to maternal steroids therapy. He underwent bilateral cataract extraction during the first weeks of life and ophthalmologic evaluation at 2 years of age was unremarkable, without any visual impairment.