Iris nodules in von Recklinghausen's Neurofibromatosis. Electron microscopic confirmation of their melanocytic origin

Arch Ophthalmol. 1982 Oct;100(10):1635-40. doi: 10.1001/archopht.1982.01030040613012.

Abstract

A 75-year-old man had generalized neurofibromatosis (NFT) with bilateral iris nodules and a mature cataract with elevated intraocular pressure in his left eye. At the time of intracapsular cataract extraction, a sector iridectomy was performed. Electron microscopic studies of the iris nodules within the iridectomy specimen unequivocally established that the spindle-shaped cells within the nodules were of melanocytic origin. We believe that the iris nodules in NFT represent melanocytic hamartomas.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Hamartoma / ultrastructure*
  • Humans
  • Iris / ultrastructure*
  • Male
  • Melanocytes / ultrastructure*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / complications
  • Neurofibromatosis 1 / pathology*
  • Uveal Neoplasms / complications
  • Uveal Neoplasms / ultrastructure*