Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium with a full-thickness macular hole

Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium: 4 cases with multimodal imaging

BACKGROUND

Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium is often identified as an incidental finding. One important issue is the differentiation of these benign lesions from other lesions which could be potentially sight-threatening.

METHODS

This study describes 4 cases of congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium that were referred to a university-based hospital. Multimodal imaging including fundus photo, multicolor fundus photo, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, fluorescein angiography and multifocal electroretinogram is provided.

RESULTS

The first case is a young man with an incidental finding of this lesion. The second and third cases are diabetic patients with congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium and diabetic macular edema and the fourth one is a case of congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium with a full-thickness macular hole.

CONCLUSIONS

Differentiation of congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium from other potentially sight-threatening lesions is important. Multimodal imaging can be helpful regarding this issue. Besides typical findings described in the literature, unique features in our cases include concurrent diabetic macular edema and association with a full-thickness macular hole.

Congenital focal abnormalities of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium

This paper reviews the published literature on a group of developmental disorders of the retina and retinal pigment epithelium which result in focal abnormalities in one or both eyes. They are often asymptomatic, found on routine examination and are generally non-progressive. Some are associated with other systemic abnormalities.

Foveal Congenital Simple Hamartoma of Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Report of Two Cases

We report two cases with foveal congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium (CSHRPE), as both patients presented to our retina services complaining of a unilateral decreased vision. Full ophthalmic examination and multimodal imaging were performed including fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography, fluorescein angiography, and electrophysiological testing. Both patients presented with 20/80 vision in the affected eyes. Foveal CSHRPE was found in both eyes, along with parapapillary hyperpigmented rim, multiple pinpoint macular lesions, and few posterior pole hyperpigmented lesions. Multifocal electroretinogram showed diminished central amplitude in both eyes, with three-dimensional topography map showing blunted foveal peaks in one eye and the absence of a central peak in the other patient. Both patients had a stable vision and clinical examination of the CSHRPE during 5 and 6 years follow up, respectively. Foveal CSHRPE is usually symptomatic and results in a decline in visual acuity. Follow-up of these patients showed stable vision and clinical examination.