Appearance and rapid growth of retinal tumor (reactive astrocytic hyperplasia?)

Tumors of the retina are often seen in association with systemic syndromes such as neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, and von Hippel-Lindau disease. These masses are either astrocytic hamartomas or capillary hemangiomas. Retinal tumors unassociated with other systemic disease have also been reported.

The ophthalmologic evaluation and clinical course of a 65-year-old woman who developed an epiretinal membrane followed by a vascularized retinal mass in the macular area are described.

Appearance and rapid growth of the lesion were documented with fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. The lesion was treated with photocoagulation following growth that threatened the foveal region. Choroidal neovascularization subsequently developed toward the fovea, and visual acuity has remained poor. After 4 years of follow-up no local recurrence or systemic disease possibly related to the tumor has occurred.

This is the first report of documented appearance and rapid growth of a retinal tumor that resembles a reactive astrocytic hyperplasia.