Vitreous seeding from retinal astrocytoma in three cases
Victoria M L Cohen1, Carol L Shields, Minoru Furuta
1Ocular Oncology Service, Wills Eye Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA.
Retina (Philadelphia, Pa.)
|June 10, 2008
Summary
Retinal astrocytoma can cause vitreous seeds, sometimes linked to tumor growth. Differentiating from retinoblastoma is crucial in pediatric ophthalmology.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Retinal astrocytoma is a rare intraocular tumor.
- Vitreous seeding is an uncommon but significant complication.
Observation:
- Three pediatric cases of retinal astrocytoma with vitreous seeding are presented.
- Tumor characteristics included juxtapapillary location, white or tan appearance, and varying sizes.
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and histopathology confirmed astrocytoma.
Findings:
- All cases exhibited vitreous seeds, described as round to oblong and stringy.
- Tumor growth and retinal detachment were observed in some cases.
- Tuberous sclerosis was not associated with these retinal astrocytomas.
Implications:
- Retinal astrocytoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intraocular tumors with vitreous seeding.
- Prompt diagnosis and management are essential to prevent vision loss.
- Distinguishing from retinoblastoma is critical due to different treatment protocols.