Stones in the lacrimal gland: a rare condition
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
PURPOSE: Stones (dacryoliths) in the lacrimal drainage system are relatively common. However, stones in the lacrimal gland itself are very rare. We present three cases of lacrimal gland stones and describe the clinical and histopathological characteristics and composition of the stones. METHODS: Three patients presented with swelling in the lateral canthal region of several months' duration. Clinical examination in each case revealed a mass adjacent to the lacrimal gland. We carried out surgical excision, histological examination and Raman spectroscopy. RESULTS: Histopathological examination of the excised material showed an eosinophilic, amorphic material organized in lamellae and localized in a ductule. The findings were consistent with a stone in the lacrimal gland in all three cases. All stones were composed of proteins of similar types. After surgery, the three patients healed without complications. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal gland stones represent a very rare but relevant differential diagnosis when a patient presents with unilateral persistent conjunctivitis or with a tumour in the lateral canthus. Treatment is excision under local anaesthesia.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica |
Volume | 87 |
Issue number | 6 |
Pages (from-to) | 672-5 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISSN | 1395-3907 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Sep 2009 |
Bibliographical note
Keywords: Adult; Calculi; Humans; Lacrimal Apparatus; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases; Male; Middle Aged; Nasolacrimal Duct; Rare Diseases; Spectrum Analysis, Raman
ID: 18788516