Focal reactive nodular gliosis: an extremely rare retinal astrocytic tumor

Abstract

Focal reactive nodular gliosis (FRNG) is an extremely rare benign retinal reactive astrocytic tumor that results from the proliferation of well-diferentiated glial cells secondary to a variety of retinal conditions. We describe a case of this tumor in a 64-year-old male in association with a chorioretinal scar he has had since childhood. The symptom was sudden painful vision loss. In the clinical examination, iris rubeosis, posterior synechiae, cataract, vitreous haze and a suspected fundus mass were showed. B-scan ultrasonography demonstrated a retinal mass consistent with choroidal melanoma. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a well-circumscribed mass with T1 hyperintensity and T2 hypointensity. Enucleation was performed and histopathologic and immunohistochemical studies confirmed the diagnosis of FRNG.

Keywords

• astrocytes
• glial fibrillary astrocytic protein
• gliosis
• ki-67 antigen
• retinal neoplasm