Retinal astrocytic hamartoma with associated macular edema: report of spontaneous resolution of macular edema as a result of increasing hamartoma calcification

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to report a case of retinal astrocytic hamartoma with an associated macular edema and the spontaneous resolution of the latter due to an increase in hamartoma calcification over a seven-year follow-up period. Clinical examination, red-free and colour fundus photographs, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography were performed during a seven-year follow-up. We conclude that retinal astrocytic hamartomas may be associated with cystoid macular edema. In some cases, the CME may resolve due to an increase in tumor calcification. Whether the progressive calcification of the retinal mass represents an overall positive prognostic factor is still unknown and further histologic studies are certainly required.