Vasoprofilerative tumors mischaracterized

This retrospective study found that vasoproliferative tumors may be mischaracterized since they actually display a paucity of microvessels. The authors propose that the term ''reactive retinal astrocytic tumor'' is more appropriate.

They reviewed clinical records and microscopic slides of four enucleated eyes with acquired retinal vasoproliferative tumors. The tumors were located inferotermporally and composed of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive spindle cells with a Ki67 index of less than 1 %. Hyalinized periodic acid-Schiff positive vessels were widely separated. CD31 and CD34 stains revealed a sparse microvasculature. Tumor associated exudate spread predominately in the subretinal space. The retinal pigment epithelium had undergone extensive placoid fibrous metaplasia with focal ossification. No genetic re-arrangements or mutations typical for low-grade astrocytoma were found.

The authors conclude that in carefully selected progressive lesions, consideration should be given to earlier surgical intervention before extensive subretinal exudate accumulates and pigment epithelial proliferation with fibrous metaplasia ensues.