Roberto Ramirez Hernandez, Dominguez-Salgado LA, Angel Nava Castañeda
Unilateral dacryoadenitis is a rare manifestation of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital inflammatory disease. Early recognition may facilitate prompt systemic treatment and improved clinical outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is a rare ANCA-associated small-vessel vasculitis that may involve the orbit. Dacryoadenitis presenting as unilateral mechanical ptosis is an unusual ophthalmic manifestation that may mimic inflammatory or neoplastic orbital disease.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old man presented with unilateral eyelid swelling and lacrimal gland enlargement associated with orbital inflammation. Orbital imaging demonstrated dacryoadenitis. Systemic evaluation revealed a history of childhood asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, mononeuritis, positive p-ANCA serology, and lacrimal gland histopathology demonstrating eosinophilic-rich inflammation consistent with EGPA. The patient was treated with systemic corticosteroids, with favorable clinical improvement.
CONCLUSION: Unilateral dacryoadenitis is a rare manifestation of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of orbital inflammatory disease. Early recognition may facilitate prompt systemic treatment and improved clinical outcomes.