[Varix node of the iris with spontaneous regression]

We report the findings in a 76-year-old woman who presented with a varix of the left iris that had manifested with hyphema. Slit lamp examination disclosed a circumscribed prominent round blood-filled lesion of the iris with smooth surface and surrounding hemorrhage. Examination with the laser flare-cell meter disclosed slightly increased flare of the left eye (10.2 photon counts/ms). Iris fluorescein angiography revealed a focal early circular hyperfluorescent area without leakage and a surrounding hypofluorescent area. Additionally, there was bilateral pseudoexfoliation. The iris varix showed complete regression during follow-up of two months. Possible etiological factors, including congenital or acquired changes of the iris vessels and alterations of the iris vessel walls in pseudoexfoliation syndrome, are discussed. Although varices of the iris are rare, they should be included in the differential diagnosis of prominent iris lesions.