The authors report a case of presumed idiopathic chronic iridocyclitis
in which an intraocular foreign body (IOFB) was finally identified. T
here was no history of prior eye trauma. Ophthalmologic and laboratory
evaluations were inconclusive. Seven months following unsuccessful me
dical treatment of the iritis and given the patient's occupational his
tory, a skull x-ray was performed followed by computed tomography of t
he orbits. A metallic IOFB was identified in the pars plicata and was
surgically removed with resolution of the inflammation. The possibilit
y of an IOFB should always be entertained in idiopathic iridocyclitis
refractory to medical treatment, even when there is no history of ocul
ar trauma.