Inflammatory Diseases of the Lacrimal Gland

Abstract

Inflammations of the lacrimal gland lead to a swelling of the temporal part of the upper lid due to the gland’s position in the upper and outer quadrant of the orbit with the palpebral portion within the lateral upper lid’s conjunctiva. The lid swelling resembles a paragraph sign (page 45, Plate 12). It can be of acute onset due to an inflammatory orbital pseudotumor, bacterial dacryoadenitis, or a subperiosteal abscess and is often quite painful. Bacterial dacryoadenitis may result in necrosis and abscess formation, which either drain spontaneously or have to be treated surgically.