[Intrastromal epithelial cysts of the iris: two case studies]

Intrastromal epithelial cysts, congenital or acquired, are rare tumors of the anterior chamber. We report two cases, one in a 4-Month-old girl and one in a 14-Year-old teenage girl.

In the infant case, a large cyst with a superior base obstructed the visual axis. The child had already developed amblyopia and intermittent esotropia, with normal ocular pressure. Aspiration of the cyst with complete excision was done without iridectomy. Two Years later, a secondary corectopia required an inferior iridectomy. Finally, 4 Years later, endophthalmitis developed on a corneal stitch, and the eye was enucleated. In the second case, the teenage girl had noticed a modification in her iris due to an inferior temporal iris cyst. The cyst was excised with a peripheral iridectomy. Despite a first complete excision, a recurrence the following Year was treated by Yag laser. One Year later, the clinical aspect was stable.

These benign tumors present the problem of local extension and recurrence. Surgical treatment with iridectomy is often proposed despite eventual aesthetic or functional consequences. Yag laser may be a therapeutic alternative. The two operations reported here did not prevent recurrence. In conclusion, intrastromal epithelial cysts of the iris are rare and benign tumors that may induce local complications and lead to recurrence. Many treatments can be discussed for each case.