Biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography of pigmented iris tumors. A retrospective study on 44 cases.

The classification of pigmented iris tumors is a difficult clinical problem. Based on the retrospective observation of colour photographs and iris angiograms of 44 pigmented iris tumors observed over 19 years, the authors present an original grading scheme with scores depending on both the biomicroscopical and the fluoroiridographic patterns of the tumors. The biomicroscopical parameters considered were: thickening of the iris in the area of tumor, pupillary distortion and/or ectropion uveae and uneven pigment density. The fluoroiridographic parameters were: early visibility of the anomalous tumoral network, hyperfluorescence inside or around the tumor, and dye leakage at sites remote from the mass. Based on the score of each tumor, the 44 cases were divided into 3 groups with the different degrees of malignancy confirmed by either histological examination or by follow-up behaviour. The authors suggest that routine use of biomicroscopic-fluoroiridographic classification of pigmented iris tumors would be useful.