Abstract
Purpose: :
To study complications on the lacrymal secretion and palpebral sequelae after dacryoadenitis
Methods: :
All cases of dacryoadenitis clinically, radiologically and histologically proven, and followed since 2006 were included. We studied the dacryoadenitis etiology and its association with other signs of orbital inflammation (myositis, orbital inflammation apical, anterior or diffuse). Presences of dryness symptoms, tear secretion with Schirmer test and tear film quality through the Break-up Time measurement were studied. We measured the eyelid mobility and noted ptosis presence. Follow-up duration and malignant transformation were identified.
Results: :
Nine cases of dacryoadenitis of 8 patients were included. Mean follow-up was 34 months. Among the 8 patients, a case of sarcoidosis, a tuberculosis suspect and six cases of non-specific inflammation, including a bilateral case were noted. Three cases of myositis on the side of dacryoadenitis were highlighted. Schirmer test decrease (9 mm to 3 minutes) on the dacryoadenitis side compared to the supposed healthy side (24 mm to 3 minutes) was noted. Break Up Time was relatively comparable from one eye to the other (6 sec vs. 7 sec). Five cases of moderate ptosis (<2 mm) were noted. No malignancy or lymphoma has been demonstrated.
Conclusions: :
After 34 months of follow-up, we observed tear production decrease in all eyes affected by dacryoadenitis with, nevertheless low functional impact. Experimental animal models affected by dacryoadenitis, showed tear secretion decrease by sclerosis or apoptosis of multiple exocrine acini. However no clinical studies on humans could show it. At the end of follow-up, we report 5 cases of moderate ptosis which 2 underwent surgical treatment. This complication seems quite common in the dacryoadenitis evolution.
Keywords: lacrimal gland • cornea: tears/tear film/dry eye