Dacryoadenitis Caused by Blastomycosis: A Case Report

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg. 2019 Sep-Oct;35(5):e116-e118. doi: 10.1097/IOP.0000000000001445.

Abstract

This is the first case of histopathologically proven blastomycosis involving the lacrimal gland. A 51-year-old woman with a history of disseminated blastomycosis involving her lungs and skin, on oral itraconazole, presented with 3 days of right upper eyelid swelling, erythema, and pain concerning for recurrent dacryoadenitis. MRI showed enlargement of the right lacrimal gland with a cystic lesion at the anterior aspect of the gland with a radiographic differential diagnosis of abscess versus cyst. After no improvement with intravenous antibiotics, orbitotomy with lacrimal gland biopsy and incision and drainage of the cystic lesion were performed. Culture and pathology of the drained fluid demonstrated an abscess with both viable and nonviable broad-based budding yeast consistent with partially treated blastomycosis. The patient's symptoms improved after the surgery and continued itraconazole therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Blastomycosis / complications*
  • Cysts / microbiology
  • Dacryocystitis / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged