[Iris nevus (Cogan-Reese) syndrome--clinicopathological correlations]

Clinicopathological correlations of iris nevus (Cogan-Reese) syndrome were studied by light and electron microscopy, using tissues obtained surgically by trabeculectomy and peripheral iridectomy. The patient was a 52-year-old female, who had a typical appearance of the disease with nodular iris nevi, distorted pupil, ectropion uveae, peripheral anterior synechia, and intractable glaucoma. The histopathological studies of the specimen revealed abnormal corneal endothelialization and basal lamina formation continuously covering the peripheral cornea, trabecular meshwork, and anterior iris surface. Lymphocyte infiltration was found in the layer of the endothelialization and in the anterior iris stroma. The nodular iris nevi were found to consist of mainly integration of degenerated iris melanocytes and clump cells of Koganei. Neovascularization associated with infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages was also observed in the trabecular meshwork. The present study suggests that the disease might occur by chronic inflammation primarily as corneal endothelitis and iritis.