Retinal Reactive Astrocytic Tumor and Astrocytic hamartomas in patient with Neurofibromatosis type 1: Case Report and Literature review

Eur J Ophthalmol. 2024 Nov;34(6):NP1-NP5. doi: 10.1177/11206721241275143. Epub 2024 Aug 14.

Abstract

Introduction: Neurofibromatosis type I, also known as Von Recklinghausen disease, is a common phakomatosis affecting 1 in 2500-3000 live births; it may be associated with several common ocular findings, including Lisch nodules, plexiform neurofibromas, optic pathway gliomas, retinal astrocytic hamartomas and choroidal nodules.

Case description: This report illustrates clinical evidence of simultaneous presence of retinal reactive astrocytic tumor (RRAT) and two retinal astrocytic hamartomas (RAH) in a 15 y/o patient with NF1, referred to our attention because of an asymptomatic fundus mass in his right eye of recent onset.

Conclusion: This case, in addition to considering NF1 as one of the ocular conditions associated with secondary RRAT, underlines the importance of early referral and continuous ophthalmological follow-up in preventing possible complications that could cause significant visual impairment in patients with NF1.

Keywords: NF1; Neurofibromatosis; RAH; RRAT; RVPT; focal nodular gliosis; pediatric tumor; phakomatosis; retinal astrocytic hamartoma; retinal microvascular abnormalities; retinal reactive astrocytic tumor; retinal vasoproliferative tumor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Astrocytes / pathology
  • Astrocytoma* / complications
  • Astrocytoma* / diagnosis
  • Fluorescein Angiography*
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Hamartoma* / complications
  • Hamartoma* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neurofibromatosis 1* / complications
  • Neurofibromatosis 1* / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases / diagnosis
  • Retinal Diseases / etiology
  • Retinal Neoplasms* / complications
  • Retinal Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Tomography, Optical Coherence
  • Visual Acuity