Natural history of an early diagnosed retinocytoma: case report and literature review

Purpose To study the ophtahlmoscopic evolution of a retinocytoma diagnosed in a 8 months old boy. Methods The patient was referred at the Referral Center for Retinoblastoma of the University of Siena, with the suspect of unilateral retinoblastoma. The boy was diagnosed as having retinocytoma based on ophthalmoscopic appearance. Monthly ophthalmoscopic and ecographic evaluation were recommended. Detailed fundus drawings and fundus photographs and descriptions of the retinocytoma were collected. The little boy underwent also MRI, genetic testing and fluorangiography. Results Throughout the months, we observed a tumor regression from avascular mass with fish‐flesh appearance and microscopic calcifications to a retinal transparent mass with calcifications, retinal cysts and surrounded by chorioretinal atrophy. Conclusion Retinocytoma is a rare benign retinal tumor with characteristic clinical features. Usually diagnosed in parents of retinoblastoma children, “silent” retinocytoma diagnosis is more rare in babies. In our case, we observed a natural “regression” of a retinocytoma in a 8 months old boy kept under close RETCAM follow‐up for the risk of malignant transformation.