Reversal of Iris Heterochromia in Adult-Onset Acquired Horner Syndrome

Abstract

Iris heterochromia is typically seen in association with congenital Horner syndrome. A man in his 40s with congenital iris heterochromia, blue in the right and brown in the left, presented with left-sided Horner syndrome. This was associated with recent change in color of his brown left iris to blue similar to the right iris. This case demonstrates a unique case of adult-onset Horner syndrome with reversal of iris heterochromia.

Iris Heterochromia in Acquired Horner Syndrome Following Surgical Excision of Parapharyngeal Neuroblastoma

“…There are a few reports of the development of heterochromia in adults with acquired Horner syndrome. 5 – 9 These patients are noted to have iris heterochromia many years after the Horner syndrome, sometimes decades later. However, several of these cases may be confounded by the presence of other ocular abnormalities such as Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis which may provide an alternative explanation for the change in iris color.…”

“…There are also a small number of reports of heterochromia in infants with Horner syndrome who acquire the condition early in life, 4 and rarely in adults several years after the onset of their Horner syndrome. [5][6][7][8][9] In this report we describe a unique case of acquired Horner syndrome with subsequent development of iris heterochromia nearly 2 years following surgical injury to the oculosympathetic pathway.…”

“…There are also a small number of reports of heterochromia in infants with Horner syndrome who acquire the condition early in life, 4 and rarely in adults several years after the onset of their Horner syndrome. 5 – 9 …”