An intraocular foreign body masquerading as idiopathic chronic iridocyclitis

The authors report a case of presumed idiopathic chronic iridocyclitis in which an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) was finally identified. There was no history of prior eye trauma. Ophthalmologic and laboratory evaluations were inconclusive. Seven months following unsuccessful medical treatment of the iritis and given the patient's occupational history, a skull x-ray was performed followed by computed tomography of the orbits. A metallic IOFB was identified in the pars plicata and was surgically removed with resolution of the inflammation. The possibility of an IOFB should always be entertained in idiopathic iridocyclitis refractory to medical treatment, even when there is no history of ocular trauma.