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

Histopathologic examination of six, adult human eyes revealed "rosettelike" 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.