Sarcoid granuloma simulating amelanotic melanoma of the iris: a case report

We report the case of a unilateral vascular iris tumor in a 24-year-old patient. Clinically, the iris lesion appeared similar to amelanotic melanoma. A systemic work-up (initial check-up), including an angiotensin-converting enzyme determination, provided the diagnosis of sarcoid granuloma. A biopsy confirmation was not needed. We concluded that iris granuloma can be the only ocular manifestation of sarcoidosis and this context is likely to be confused with amelanotic melanoma and metastatic carcinoma.