Vitreous haemorrhage a rare manifestation of retinal astrocytic hamartoma: a paediatric case report

Abstract

Introduction: Retinal astrocytic hamartoma is generally an asymptomatic benign tumour that may or may not be associated with the tuberous sclerosis complex. Haemorrhage is a rare presentation.

Case report: The case concerns a 12-year-old patient with "a black spot" vision in the upper temporal hemifield of the right eye, who referred a similar episode 2 years ago. The anterior pole was normal in the slit lamp. A mass of translucent white-yellow peri-papillary appearance and vitreous peri-papillary haemorrhage was observed in funduscopy. The autofluorescence, fluorescence angiography, and optical coherence tomography characteristics were all compatible with retinal astrocytic hamartoma. Complementary studies (serology and X-rays) and the complete clinical examination rule out associated systemic involvement. The patient was followed-up closely until the vitreous haemorrhage was reabsorbed.

Conclusion: Vitreous haemorrhage is a rare complication of Retinal astrocytic hamartoma and funduscopic exploration is difficult. Systemic involvement should be ruled out.

Keywords: Child; Hamartoma/diagnosis; Hamartoma/diagnóstico; Hemorragia vítrea; Niño; Optical coherence tomography; Tomografía de coherencia óptica; Vitreous haemorrhage.