Primitive Retinal Vascular Abnormalities: Tumors and Telangiectasias

Abstract

Primitive retinal vascular abnormalities are benign conditions of the retinal circulation that comprise vascular tumors and telangiectasias. The principal vascular tumors of the retina include retinal capillary hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma of the retina, racemose hemangiomatosis of the retina and retinal vasoproliferative tumor, while primary retinal telangiectasias include Coats’ disease, Leber’s miliary aneurysms and idiopathic juxtafoveal telangiectasias. In most cases, these alterations result in significant visual impairment due to exudation determined by the structural abnormalities of the retinal vasculature. The aim of this review is to assess the different clinical and diagnostic features of the single pathological entities and to discuss the available treatment modalities including the onset of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy.

Phacomatoses, genetic testing for personalisation of clinical management (part 2)

“…The lesions are located in the peridural part or on the periphery of the retina (upper or lower temporal area). In about 25% of patients, permanent loss of vision occurs, and presence of multiple lesions predisposes to formation of further foci [7].…”

“…The treatment includes laser photocoagulation, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and techniques of vitroretinal surgery. Pharmacotherapy involves attempts to administer antagonists of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the case of posterior pole hemangiomas [1,7].…”

Cavernous hemangioma of the retina – case report

“…Vascular tumors of the retina include retinal capillary hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma of the retina, racemose hemangioma, and retinal vasoproliferative tumor. Primary retinal telangiectasias include Coats' disease, Leber's miliary aneurysms, and idiopathic parafoveal telangiectasias [1]. In most cases, these diseases cause significant visual impairment due to macular exudation resulting from structural abnormalities of the retinal vascular system [1].…”

Imaging of retinal and choroidal vascular tumours

“…1,2 In addition to conventional radiotherapy, cryotherapy, and laser photocoagulation, new therapeutical options include anti-VEGF pharmacotherapy, proton beam radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and small gauge vitrectomy. [3][4][5][6][7][8] These have been reviewed elsewhere and are therefore not discussed in the present article.…”

“…[9][10][11][12][13] These methods have become indispensable in the management of patients with a vascular tumour. 2 Because of their novelty, there is scope for an up-to-date discussion of their relevance to vascular tumours of the eye.…”