Retinal ependymoma: an immunohistologic and ultrastructural study

• Published in: Human pathology Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 578 - 583
• Main Authors: Tay, A., MD, Scheithauer, Bernd W., MD, Cameron, J.D., MD, Myhre, M.J., MD, Boerner, M.J., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Inc 01.04.2009; Elsevier; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Ependymoma; Ependymoma - complications; Ependymoma - surgery; Ependymoma - ultrastructure; Eye Evisceration; Female; Glioma; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Massive retinal gliosis; Medical sciences; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Neurology; Pathology; Pathology. Cytology. Biochemistry. Spectrometry. Miscellaneous investigative techniques; Retina; Retinal Detachment - complications; Retinal Neoplasms - complications; Retinal Neoplasms - surgery; Retinal Neoplasms - ultrastructure; Tumors of the nervous system. Phacomatoses; Ultrastructure; Immunohistochemistry; Retina; Glioma; Ultrastructure; Ependymoma; Massive retinal gliosis; Nervous system diseases; Ultrastmcture; Eye; Visual system; Anatomic pathology; Central nervous system disease; Tumor
• ISSN: 0046-8177; 1532-8392
• DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2008.06.028

Summary Glial tumors of the retina are rare. Most are syndrome associated and include pilocytic astrocytoma in neurofibromatosis type 1 and subependymal giant cell astrocytoma in tuberous sclerosis complex. Acquired, more conventional, diffuse astrocytomas are less frequent. Ependymoma is exquisitely rare. Herein, we report the clinicopathologic features of the second case of retinal ependymoma. The tumor was sporadic in occurrence and unilateral, low grade, and of cellular type. Its chronic course and large size prompted an initial pathologic diagnosis of “massive retinal gliosis.” The literature regarding retinal glial neoplasia including ependymoma as well as the so-called massive retinal gliosis is discussed.