Overview
A parasitic cyst of the iris is an uncommon lesion originating from surface ectodermal tissue, often presenting as an enlarging intrastromal mass that can obstruct the chamber angle or cornea without a history of trauma or prior ocular surgery 1.Diagnosis
Clinical Presentation: Enlarging intrastromal iris cyst causing angle obstruction or corneal contact 1.
Imaging: Gonioscopy and slit-lamp examination essential for visualization 1.
Histopathology: Characterized by a single to triple layer of pigmented epithelium with ultrastructural features including desmosomes, tonofilaments, and melanosomal complexes 1.
Immunohistochemistry: Presence of intracellular keratin supports ectodermal origin 1.Management
Surgical Intervention: En bloc resection via sector iridectomy or iridocyclectomy recommended for enlarging cysts 1.
No Specific Medical Therapy: No pharmacological treatments mentioned; surgical removal is primary 1.Special Populations
No Specific Guidance: Limited data; management principles likely apply broadly but individualized assessment recommended 1.Key Recommendations
Surgical Removal for Enlarging Cysts: En bloc resection by sector iridectomy or iridocyclectomy should be performed if the cyst is enlarging 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
Avoid Traumatic Inciting Factors: Given the non-traumatic origin in reported cases, avoid unnecessary ocular trauma 1 (Evidence: Expert opinion).
Histopathological Confirmation: Confirm diagnosis with histopathological examination including ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies 1 (Evidence: Moderate).References
1 Coburn A, Messmer EP, Boniuk M, Font RL. Spontaneous intrastromal iris cyst. A case report with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural observations. Ophthalmology 1985. link34093-9)