Publication
Retinal astrocytomas: long-term follow-up
Journal Paper/Review - Apr 11, 2011
Töteberg-Harms M, Sturm Veit, Sel S, Sasse A, Landau K
Units
PubMed
Doi
Citation
Type
Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Pages
Brief description/objective
BACKGROUND
Retinal astrocytomas are exceedingly rare benign tumours of the retina. Their occurrence can be solitary or multiple, uni- or bilateral, isolated or in association with a phakomatosis such as tuberous sclerosis or neurofibromatosis type 1.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
We report the long-term follow-up in three patients with retinal astrocytomas.
RESULTS
Over many years of follow-up all astrocytomas showed very little progression and no deterioration of visual function. Subtle changes occurred inside the lesions.
CONCLUSIONS
Even after long-term follow-up the natural course of retinal astrocytic hamartomas seems to be favourable, with visual loss and significant growth being unlikely to occur. A thorough ophthalmological and general evaluation, in order to rule out an underlying systemic disease and to document the ocular status, are needed initially. Thereafter eye examinations can be scheduled in long intervals.