Light and electron microscopic study of dysplastic rosette-like structures occurring in the disorganized mature retina.

Histopathologic examination of six, adult human eyes revealed "rosette-like" structures in the retina which appear to have developed after maturation of the retina. These structures resemble dysplastic rosettes which are generally interpreted as a sign of maldevelopment of the retina (retinal dysplasia). The underlying lesions in the eyes of these patients were ocular ischemia, sickle-cell retinopathy, diabetic retinopathy, central retinal vein occlusion, and trauma. It is suggested that a distinction should be made between these degenerative-regressive changes and dysplastic rosettes which represent an abortive attempt of regeneration by germinal cells.