Lepromatous iridocyclitis diagnosed by anterior chamber paracentesis

A 34-year-old man with a three-month history of intraocular inflammation after ocular trauma with a fir branch, had an acute unilateral fulminant iridocyclitis. The iris had a thick, gray, cheesy membrane composed of nodular lepromata. The patient denied a history of Hansen's disease, despite the dermatologic and facial features that suggested the diagnosis. Anterior chamber paracentesis and scleral nodule biopsy demonstrated Mycobacterium lepra. The iridocyclitis resolved after treatment with dapsone, corticosteroids, and rifampin.