Purpose: To describe the ultrasound biomicroscopic characteristics, incidence, distribution and location of primary cysts of the iris and ciliary body pigment epithelium, and to differentiate them from solid lesions. Methods: A retrospective study was performed through a review of charts of 73 patients, 82 eyes, with echographic diagnosis of primary cysts of the iris and ciliary body pigment epithelium during a 36-month period (January/97 through December/99). All examinations were performed using an ultrasound biomicroscope applying standard immersion techniques. Results: Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed typical findings of the primary cysts of the pigment epithelium such as thin and regular walls with no internal content. Incidence was higher in individuals included in the interval of 20 to 29 years of age (28.8%). Forty-eight patients (65.7%) were female. The cysts were found most frequently in the inferior and temporal sectors. Conclusions: Ultrasound biomicroscopy was a useful tool for evaluating cystic lesions of the iris and ciliary body, also valuable in differentiating these lesions from anterior segment tumors and evaluating potential complications. The knowledge of the echographic criteria and epidemiological characteristic can assist in the diagnosis of these lesions.
Ultrasound; Cysts; Iris and ciliary body; Pigment epithelium
