Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Defect Associated with Astrocytic Hamartoma in a Patient with Tuberous Sclerosis

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report the progression of an astrocytic hamartoma of the right optic nerve head as well as the retina, and the progression of retinal nerve fiber defect associated with astrocytic hamartoma in a patient with tuberous sclerosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 6-year-old boy with tuberous sclerosis and an astrocytic hamartoma of the right optic nerve head, which was found at the time of ophthalmologie examinations, was referred from the pediatric neurologist for evaluation of the vigabatrin-associated visual field changes. Fundus examination revealed 1/2 disc diameter (DD)-sized astrocytic hamartoma located at the margin of the superior part of the optic nerve. The retina of the left eye was normal. Eighteen months after the first visit, enlarged optic disc hamartoma of the right eye and newly onset retinal astrocytic hamartoma located approximately 1.5 DD inferior to the fovea of the left eye were found. Three years later, an increase in the size of the astrocytic hamartoma of the right optic nerve and development of retinal nerve fiber defects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Astrocytic hamartoma in patients with tuberous sclerosis is usually stable without progression. However, in our patient, astrocytic hamartoma showed progression, and development of retinal nerve fiber defects occurred. Regular follow-up is necessary for astrocytic hamartoma in patients with tuberous sclerosis.