A Case With Leiomyoma of Iris Extirpated With Cryosurgery and Its Pathological Findings

Abstract

This report describes surgical observation and histopathological findings in a case of a 44-year-old male with leiomyoma of the iris in his left eye which had initiated from uveitis. In view of clinical efficiency and electron microscopic detection of leiomyoma, it is recommended that the tumour be excised after freezing coagulation. For confirmative diagnosis of leiomyoma of the iris, an electron microscopic detection is necessary to demonstrate the characteristic findings including cells with cigar-shaped nuclei, cytoplasmic and plasmalemma1 density, fine filaments, surface-connected vesicles and basement membrane.

A leiomyoma of the iris documented by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy

“…It is not unusual, however, that electron microscopy is performed in formalin-fixed specimens when the need for electron microscopy is revealed by light microscopy. Our case showed ultrastructure consistent with leiomyoma, a finding substantiated by electron microscopy in only three previous reports (Jellie et al 1989;Okamoto et al 1982 andJiinemann et al 1994). In our case, electron microscopy of the formalin-fixed specimens revealed a tumour ultrastructure, typical for smooth muscle neoplasm (Erlendson 1994).…”

“…This is most likely due to suboptimal fixation. Ashton (1964) and Okamoto et al (1982) observed that it is almost impossible to distinguish a leiomyoma from an amelanotic melanoma without electron microscopy. Our case showed ultrastructure consistent with leiomyoma, a finding substantiated by electron microscopy in only three previous reports (Jellie et al 1989;Okamoto et al 1982 andJiinemann et al 1994).…”