[Juvenile xanthogranuloma of the uvea in an adult].

Because of a quick growing iris tumor right eye was enucleated in a man 22 years old. It seemed to be malignant according to fluorescein angiography and isotope examinations. On histopathological examination only a juvenile xantogranuloma was found, a benign granulation process of unknown etiology, occurring mainly in young children, where corresponding skin changes could also be found. The 'tumor' is composed mainly by histiocytes sometimes also numerous giant cells and it has numerous fine vessels which can give rise to a spontaneous hyphaema--a clinically important feature. A secondary glaucoma may subsequently occur. An early diagnosis is essential because these granulation tissues are very sensitive to X-rays. Unfortunately the correct diagnosis is often made only histologically, whereas the clinical signs imitate a malignant process. One can not rely here on isotope examinations. Flourescein angiography may lead to the correct diagnosis but only in very experienced hands.