[Iris granulomas of unknown aetiology].
BACKGROUND
Non-pigmented tumours of the iris are rare and their clinical classification can be difficult, especially in the absence of systemic manifestations.


METHODS
We report the case of a unilateral vascular, non-pigmented iris tumour in a 47-year-old patient. Clinically, the iris lesion showed progressive growth and tumour vascularisation.


RESULTS
A systemic work-up failed to reveal any underlying systemic disease. Biopsy showed a non-necrotising granuloma. The lesion responded well to systemic corticosteroid therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Isolated granulomas of the iris are rare and clinically often indistinguishable from malignant tumours like melanoma. Due to the clinical course and the regression under corticosteroid therapy we concluded that this iris granuloma may be an isolated ocular manifestation of sarcoidosis.
Zinkernagel
M
M
Augenklinik Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland. Martin.Zinkernagel@kssg.ch
Zografos
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Rüesch
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D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006099:Granuloma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007499:Iris Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents