Iris neovascularization in children as a manifestation of underlying medulloepithelioma.

PURPOSE: To report the occurrence of unilateral iris neovascularization in children secondary to medulloepithelioma.

METHODS

Presenting features and the clinical course of patients confirmed to have medulloepithelioma were reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven patients with medulloepithelioma had iris neovascularization during the clinical course. Associated cataract and lens coloboma occurred in two and three cases, respectively. In six (86%) cases, no apparent cause for iris neovascularization could be detected at presentation. Two cases had tube shunts for management of neovascular glaucoma before medulloepithelioma was recognized. All cases eventually required enucleation.

CONCLUSION

Presence of iris neovascularization is an early manifestation of medulloepithelioma. Children with iris neovascularization of unknown cause should be evaluated to exclude underlying medulloepithelioma.