Lacrimal gland hemangiopericytoma

Abstract

A 45-year-old man and a 21-year old man presented with palpable lacrimal gland fossa masses and mechanical ptosis and proptosis, respectively. Computed tomography demonstrated well-circumscribed, partially cystic tumors. Echography in one case showed a well-outlined, predominantly low-reflective lesion with cysts and moderate vascularity detected by Doppler flow and standardized A-scan studies. Histopathology of the excised tumors revealed them to be CD34 antigen-positive hemangiopericytomas, in one case associated with lacrimal gland ductal cysts (dacryops) and with cyst-like spaces containing proteinaceous exudate in the other. No recurrence was found at 14 and 30 months, respectively. Although uncommon, hemangiopericytomas should be included in the differential diagnosis of lacrimal gland tumors. Orbital ultrasound revealing vascularity may be a useful adjunct in this diagnosis. Cystic degeneration or dacryops due to tumor infiltration and compression of lacrimal gland ducts may occur.