Spontaneous regression of an isolated retinal astrocytic hamartoma in a newborn: a case report

BACKGROUND: To report the spontaneous regression of an isolated retinal astrocytic hamartoma in a newborn. During the seven-month follow-up duration, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography examinations were performed. CASE PRESENTATION: An isolated retinal astrocytic hamartoma was detected in the nasal retina of the left eye of a 4-day-old male infant. At the time of initial presentation, we detected a solitary yellowish-white flat mass with an approximate size of 1.5 disc diameters in the nasal retina. Fluorescein angiography (FA) revealed a diffuse hyperfluorescence with slight fluorescence leakage. Seven months later, the fundus examination showed no lesion in the left eye, FA revealed mild tortuous vessels without leakage. CONCLUSIONS: In the present case, we established that the isolated retinal astrocytic hamartoma in this infant has underwent spontaneous regression. This case can point out that follow –up reexaminations are advisable for a solitary yellowish-white flat mass of the fundus in a newborn. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-023-03135-5.