Lacrimal gland amyloidosis

Abstract

Primary localized lacrimal gland amyloidosis is an extremely rare occurrence. The typical clinical and radiologic appearances have been suggested but not clearly established. This report describes two patients with amyloid tumor of the lacrimal gland. Both patients were middle-aged women of Asian origin, one a Chinese with unilateral lacrimal gland swelling and the other, a Malay with bilateral lacrimal gland swelling. Neither patient had associated systemic disease. They were otherwise asymptomatic except for prominence over the lacrimal gland region. Neither visual impairment nor evidence of optic nerve dysfunction was noted in either patient. CT findings mimic that of an inflammatory or lymphoproliferative disorder of the lacrimal gland. The diagnosis of amyloidosis was only proved on histology. Further investigations revealed that the disease process was truly localized and not part of a systemic process. Subsequent observation proved no recurrence.