Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium: a case report

Abstract

Abstract Background This case report describes a patient with Congenital Simple Hamartoma of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CSHRPE) who underwent vitrectomy surgery to relieve vitreomacular traction (VMT) and observed the resulting effect. Case presentation: A 10-year-old child with a history of poor vision since childhood visited our hospital. The child was diagnosed with CSHRPE based on clinical manifestations and multimodal imaging examinations, including fundus color photography, fluorescein angiography, OCT, and ultrasound. The tumor was located in the macular area and was accompanied by noticeable VMT. To alleviate VMT and improve vision, the child underwent vitrectomy combined with air tamponade. Postoperative follow-up revealed improved vision, significant improvement in the retinal structure of the macular area, and near-normal fovea. However, there were also small gaps between retinal layers, pigmentation, and some residual hyperreflective lesions. Conclusions Relieving VMT in patients with CSHRPE can help improve vision and restore the retinal structure in the macular area. It is possible that CSHRPE primarily affects the outer layer of the retina rather than the entire thickness.