Abstract
Purpose::
Primary iris cysts have been classified clinically as central, midzonal, or peripheral. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate this classification in light of contemporary high-frequency anterior ultrasound.
Methods::
The medical records and ultrasound scans were reviewed on all patients diagnosed with primary cysts of the iris and/or pars plicata at our Ocular Oncology Service who underwent anterior segment 20 MHz ultrasound evaluation. Secondary cysts and pars plana cysts were excluded.
Results::
Inclusion criteria for the study were met by 40 patients, including 19 males, and 21 females. The mean age was 47.1 years (range, 9 years to 84 years). Four categories of iris cysts were defined by location: iris stromal (50%), pars plicata (10%), iris angle (10%), and mixed (30%). Five patients had eye complaints on presentation, the remainder were asymptomatic. Pars plicata cysts were more likely to be multiple and to occur in older individuals. After mean follow-up of 2.9 months (range, 1 to 36 months), none of the cysts enlarged, and 2 cysts developed new cysts. Only one of the cysts required therapeutic intervention.
Conclusions::
The historical classification of iris cysts based on clinical features requires modification in light of anatomic detail revealed by high-frequency anterior ultrasound. We propose a new anatomic classification.
Keywords: iris • ciliary body • imaging methods (CT, FA, ICG, MRI, OCT, RTA, SLO, ultrasound)