Abstract :
Purpose: Thyroid Orbitopathy is a condition associated with thyroid dysfunction. In addition
to exophthalmos, eyelid retraction, eyelid oedema, restrictive extra-ocular myopathy, lacrimal gland
enlargement can also be observed in these patients. However thyroid orbitopathy is not usually been
considered in the differential diagnosis of cases of isolated lacrimal gland enlargement.
Materials and Methods: An elderly male patient at our institution presented with bilateral lacrimal gland
enlargement as the clinical or radiologic sign and was later diagnosed as thyroid orbitopathy. Computerized
tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits were obtained and demonstrated isolated
lacrimal gland enlargement with enlargement of lateral rectus and inferior rectus.
Result: A case of bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement found in a patient with thyroid orbitopathy was
noted. Patient was investigated and kept on follow up.
Conclusion: This case represents, enlargement of lacrimal gland as a presenting sign of thyroid orbitopathy.
Further clinical and radiological studies are essential for a better understanding of the timing of lacrimal
gland involvement. In such patients presenting with lacrimal gland enlargement, thyroid orbitopathy should
be strongly considere d in the differential diagnosis in addition to causes such as of dacryo-adenitis and
neoplasms.
Keyword :
Lacrimal Gland, Orbit, Thyroid Orbitopathy.