Fibrovascular pupillary membrane with persistent pupillary membranes initially suspected to be congenital cataract: a case report

Purpose: To report a case of fibrovascular pupillary membrane (FPM) accompanied with persistent pupillary membranes (PPM) initially misdiagnosed as congenital cataract. Case presentation: A 6-year-old boy, with a one-year history of poor visual acuity in his left eye, was diagnosed with congenital cataract in the outpatient department. The patient was admitted and underwent surgery during which a diagnosis of FPM accompanied with PPM was made which was different from the initial suspicion of congenital cataract. In this case, the FPM presented as a small area of opacity in the center of the anterior capsule of the lens in visual axis. Due to the lack of cooperation from the child, we could not conduct a complete examination preoperatively. During surgery, the opacity in his visual axis was removed and his natural lens was preserved. Conclusions: : FPM is a relatively rare disease. Although the child may not show good cooperation, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination of the anterior segment to make an accurate diagnosis, differential diagnosis and surgical planning. This case aims to create awareness of this disease.