Spontaneous Regression Of Bilateral Retinoblastoma
American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology. Transactions 73(2): March-April 1969; 194-198
View Original Source →Abstract
A 62-year-old man had a bilateral spontaneously retrogressed retinoblastoma with phthisis bulbi in one eye and a characteristic picture of chorioretinal atrophy and chalk-white areas of calcification in the other eye with 20/200 vision. It is believed that the ophthalmoscopic picture is characteristic, that phthisis bulbi in children should make one strongly suspect the possibility of retinoblastoma and that, histologically, the presence of focal areas of calcification (often adjacent to bone) with remnants of pyknotic nuclei should be considered pathognomonic of retrogressed retinoblastoma. It is important to recognize this pathologically so that the other eye of the patient and the eyes of his siblings may be examined periodically for evidence of viable tumor.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
A 62-year-old white man
Clinical Characteristics
A 62-year-old man had a bilateral spontaneously retrogressed retinoblastoma with phthisis bulbi in one eye and a characteristic picture of chorioretinal atrophy and chalk-white areas of calcification in the other eye with 20/200 vision.
Remission Characteristics
Spontaneously retrogressed retinoblastoma
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
In 1967 a clinical diagnosis of retrogressed retinoblastoma was made and the right phthisical eye was enucleated for diagnostic and cosmetic purposes.
Additional Notes
It is believed that the ophthalmoscopic picture is characteristic, that phthisis bulbi in children should make one strongly suspect the possibility of retinoblastoma and that, histologically, the presence of focal areas of calcification (often adjacent to bone) with remnants of pyknotic nuclei should be considered pathognomonic of retrogressed retinoblastoma. It is important to recognize this pathologically so that the other eye of the patient and the eyes of his siblings may be examined periodically for evidence of viable tumor.