Chronic retinopathy of prematurity.

A pathologic analysis of 40 autopsy cases of chronic retinopathy of prematurity is presented. The type of retinal detachment in chronic retinopathy is unique, resulting from progressive changes in the peripheral retina: folding at the site of extraretinal vasoproliferation; scroll-like rolling anteriorly towards the lens; foreshortening of entire retina with detachment; and closure of the retinal "funnel." The biomechanical intraretinal and extraretinal factors operating during this process are discussed. Also presented are some interesting atypical features found in this series: arrested retinopathy; "sea fan" extraretinal vascular fronds; retinopathy in anencephaly; cribriform vanguard; and extramedullary erythropoiesis.