Plasmin-assisted vitrectomy for bilateral combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium: histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and optical coherence tomography.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To report the surgical outcome, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and optical coherence tomographic findings in a case of bilateral combined hamartoma of retina and retinal pigment epithelium.

METHOD:

Bilateral heterologous plasmin-assisted lens-sparing vitrectomy was performed. The surgical specimen underwent histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis.

PATIENT:

An 18-month-old male child with bilateral combined hamartoma of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium.

RESULTS:

After surgery, structural improvement (optical coherence tomography) and improved visual function were noted. Immunohistochemistry was positive for astrocytic markers and negative for others.

DISCUSSION:

Plasmin-assisted vitrectomy and membrane peeling in this child with bilateral combined hamartoma resulted in a marked improvement in the clinical and topographical appearance in both eyes and significantly improved visual function. The prospect of hamartoma recurrence is not a contraindication to surgical management. Immunohistochemically, the peeled epiretinal tissue showed characteristics of astrocytic origin providing insight into the possible source and structure of these membranes.

• Authors: Anand Vinekar, Polly Quiram, Newman Sund, Jon Wilson, Antonio Capone Jr
• Journal: Retinal cases & brief reports (Retin Cases Brief Rep) Vol. 3 Issue 2 Pg. 186-9 ( 2009) ISSN: 1935-1089 [Print] United States
• PMID: 25391071 (Publication Type: Journal Article)