Iritis in patients with cutaneous melanoma and vitiligo

D. M. Albert, A. J. Sober and T. B. Fitzpatrick

Two patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma, vitiligo, and uveitis are described. The occurrence of vitiligo following cutaneous melanoma is not uncommon and has been interpreted to result from cellular and humoral factors directed against melanoma cells that also destroy normal cutaneous melanocytes. The present cases raise the possibility that melanocytes in the eye as well as the skin may be affected.