• Adult Immunization
  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Immunization
  • Screening
  • Psychiatry
  • Allergy
  • Women's Health
  • Cardiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Dermatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Pain Management
  • Gastroenterology
  • Geriatrics
  • Infectious Disease
  • Obesity Medicine
  • Rheumatology
  • Oncology
  • Nephrology
  • Neurology
  • Pulmonology

Heterochromia Iridis

Article

Heterochromia iridis may be inherited or acquired. Acquired heterochromia may be caused by chronic uveitis, or (rarely) an underlying neuroblastoma. Here: a case in point.

A 20-year-old woman is noted to have one blue and one brown iris.

Key point: By definition, this individual demonstrates complete heterochromia iridis. There are varying degrees of this phenomenon, including sectoral and central heterochromia. This finding may be inherited or acquired.

Treatment: Acquired heterochromia may be caused by chronic uveitis, or (rarely) an underlying neuroblastoma. The latter etiologies should be sought and treated accordingly.

Note: Inherited heterochromia may be associated with Waardenburg syndrome (in conjunction with sensorineural deafness) or with piebaldism (in conjunction with a central forelock of white hair).

Related Content
© 2025 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.