Bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement as a clinical manifestation of sarcoidosis

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. The main characteristics of sarcoidosis are non-caseating granulomas which can be formed in affected organs. Eye and its adnexal tissues can also be involved. In the early stages of sarcoidosis, the clinical picture may be mild and not always specific. Although the early signs of sarcoidosis are lung associated, we present a clinical case with diffuse enlargement of the lacrimal glands as a first sign of systemic sarcoidosis. A 21-years-old woman presented to the ophthalmological center with a 2-weeks history of having swollen, painful upper eyelids. Primary eye examination revealed palpable tender masses in the locations of the lacrimal glands. Characteristic for sarcoidosis X-ray findings and blood tests demanded lacrimal gland and lung biopsy for diagnosis verification. In spite sarcoidosis of lacrimal glands is a rare condition, it has to be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland masses.