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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
12:48
In Vivo Dynamics of Retinal Microglial Activation During Neurodegeneration: Confocal Ophthalmoscopic Imaging and Cell Morphometry in Mouse Glaucoma
Published on: May 11, 2015
[Diffuse melanocytic nevus of the iris and absolute glaucoma]
1Universitäts-Augenklinik Ulm, Prittwitzstrasse 43, 89075 Ulm, Germany. christoph.spraul@medizin.uni-ulm.de
Klinische Monatsblatter Fur Augenheilkunde
|October 9, 2001
Summary
Malignant iris lesions can be misdiagnosed; benign melanocytic tumors may mimic malignancy, causing glaucoma. Biopsy is essential for accurate diagnosis of iris lesions.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Clinical assessment of iris lesions for malignancy can be challenging.
- Previous studies indicate a significant rate of benign histology in enucleated eyes with suspected malignant iris tumors.
Observation:
- A 43-year-old male presented with a blind, painful eye due to pigmented iris stromal lesions.
- Examination revealed diffuse pigmentation of the chamber angle and absolute glaucoma.
- A diffuse iridociliary malignant melanoma was suspected, leading to enucleation.
Findings:
- Histological examination revealed a benign spindle cell nevus of the iris.
- The benign lesion caused diffuse extension into the chamber angle and ciliary body.
- This extension led to increased intraocular pressure and secondary glaucoma.
Implications:
- Benign melanocytic proliferations of the iris can present with clinical features suggestive of malignancy.
- Accurate diagnosis of iris lesions requires histopathological examination, not solely clinical assessment.
- Understanding benign mimics is crucial for appropriate patient management and avoiding unnecessary enucleation.
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