A case of morgagnian cataract mimicking an iris tumor

To report, with the aid of original imaging, an unusual differential diagnosis of an iris tumor.

A 60-year-old Caucasian man visited our clinic with a large amelanotic iris mass in the left eye in the absence of concomitant extraocular inflammation or neoplastic evidence. The patient reported an ocular trauma caused by a wire 5 years prior to his visit, which resolved after a short course of antibiotic eye drops. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement was consistent with an iris tumor; ultrasound biomicroscopy indicated a semi-solid, mid-stromal iris formation continuous with the lens. Surgical inspection was performed. Surgery showed the presence of a hypermature cataract with a fine break in the anterior capsule of the lens covered by the iris surface. The liquefied cortex infiltrated the iris without diffusing into the aqueous humor.

A so-called morgagnian cataract developed, likely following a penetrating ocular wound. The progressive, slow infiltration of the iris stroma by the crystalline matrix mimicked the appearance of an amelanotic iris tumor.