Histopathology in the iris-nevus (Cogan-Reese) syndrome

A 23-year-old-woman had iris-nevus (Cogan-Reese) syndrome characterized by unilateral glaucoma with peripheral anterior synechiae, multiple iris nodules, and ectopic Descemet's membrane. A surgical specimen excised from the involved eye was examined by light and electron microscopy. A cuticular membrane covered both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the iris in this specimen. On the anterior surface of the iris, many projections of apparently normal iris stroma pierced or were surrounded by this membrane. On the posterior surface of the iris, this membrane was associated with a monolayer of cuboidal cells.