Bilateral pterygium, symmetrical nodosity of the auricle, and free iris cyst

Abstract

Most epithelial cysts of the anterior chamber (iris stromal cysts) occur after penetrating ocular injuries and represent secondary epithelial ingrowth. Primary iris stromal cysts are less common and mostly congenital. Lois et al. described the clinical characteristics, natural course, and complications of a large group of patients with primary iris pigment epithelium cysts. These were classified as dislodged in 8 patients (3%). Dislodged iris pigment epithelium cysts appeared as brown oval lesions free floating in the anterior chamber (12%) or in the vitreous (12%), or fixed in the anterior chamber angle (75%). The aim of this case report is to describe the coexistence of bilateral pterygium on the nasal side, symmetrical nodosity of the auricle, and free cyst of the left iris in 1 individual. A 17-year-old boy presented with a free cyst of the left iris, bilateral pterygium, and symmetrical nodosity of the auricle. Otherwise, the anterior and posterior segment, as well as the intraocular pressure, were normal. The visual acuity was at least 6/7.5 without glasses, and there was no evidence of strabismus or other functional impairments. In normal daylight and with noninfluenced pupils, the visual axis was not covered by the cysts. Since the lesions anamnestically appeared to be congenital and the clinical course had been benign, no therapy was initiated. The patient’s condition has been checked at regular intervals without any functional or morphological change (Fig. 1). Pterygium is a common disorder, but bilaterality in young people is not a common condition. Free iris cyst is a rare condition too, particularly in the anterior surface of the peripheral iris. The author could not find any report in the literature about iris cyst in the anterior surface of the peripheral iris together with bilateral pterygium and symmetrical nodosity of the auricle. The coexistence of bilateral pterygium on the nasal side, symmetrical nodosity of the auricle, and free cyst of the left iris is an interesting association.