Adenocarcinoma arising from congenital hypertrophy of retinal pigment epithelium

Arch Ophthalmol. 2001 Apr;119(4):597-602. doi: 10.1001/archopht.119.4.597.

Abstract

Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE), traditionally regarded as a benign stationary condition, has recently been shown in 5 cases to give rise to an elevated, solid tumor. However, the histopathologic nature of the tumor that arises from CHRPE has not been previously determined. A 65-year-old woman developed a progressively enlarging peripheral fundus tumor that arose from a focus of classic CHRPE. The tumor produced a localized exudative retinal detachment, cystoid macular edema, and surface-wrinkling retinopathy. The mass was removed by local resection, and histopathologic examination revealed a low-grade adenocarcinoma of the retinal pigment epithelium, apparently arising from CHRPE. Although CHRPE is usually a benign nonprogressive lesion, it can give rise to a malignant tumor. Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium should be observed periodically for development of a neoplasm.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenocarcinoma / etiology
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Hypertrophy
  • Pigment Epithelium of Eye / pathology*
  • Retinal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Retinal Neoplasms / etiology
  • Retinal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Retinal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Ultrasonography