Iris metastases from systemic cancer: a report of three cases

Abstract

Ocular metastasis is relatively uncommon, with a reported incidence of approximately 8%, according to the results of autopsy evaluation. The majority of ocular metastases are located within the choroid, while metastatic tumors affecting the iris are rare. Metastatic tumors may manifest as stromal nodules or ill-defined iris thickening, or they may present with nonspecific features such as pain, iridocyclitis, and hyphema. Here, we describe three patients with iris metastasis and discuss the diagnostic challenges and unusual findings associated with these cases.

A Case of Metastatic Iris Tumor Observed With Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Before and After Radiation Therapy

“…Unequivocally, radiologists perform radiotherapy for metastatic iris tumors (7,13) and thus need to determine its efficacy. However, it would be difficult to monitor threedimensional anatomical changes by using conventional computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, because tumors are too small for these modalities.…”

“…The median time interval between the detection of iris metastasis and death is reportedly 24 months (6). Patients with iris metastasis should also be treated with systemic chemotherapy, while external radiotherapy or brachytherapy is recommended for the treatment of local metastasis (7). However, it is difficult to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy for iris metastasis.…”