Issue 8/2025
Ivanova, M. Petkova, A., Vassileva, P.
Specialized Eye Hospital “Acad. Pashev” – Sofia
Enlargement of the lacrimal glands is usually a unilateral process and reflects a variety of underlying etiologic factors. However, a minority of cases demonstrate bilateral disease at presentation, constituting a distinct clinical entity from unilateral presentations. It may be a sign of a localized orbital disease or an indicator of systemic involvement. In general, the causes of lacrimal gland enlargement, whether unilateral or bilateral, fall into two main groups: those due to a neoplastic process or to an inflammatory process. More common diseases associated with bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement include: Sarcoidosis, Lymphoproliferative disorders, Sjögren’s syndrome, Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis), Tuberculosis, IgG4-related ophthalmic disease. Our aim is to present a clinical case from our practice and a brief overview of the possible etiological factors for the development of bilateral enlargement of the lacrimal glands.
Key words: bilateral enlargement of the lacrimal gland, systemic process, sarcoidosis, lymphoproliferative disorders, Sjögren‘s syndrome, tuberculosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
Address for correspondence:
Ivanova, A.
Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment
„Akad. Pashev“ – Sofia
j.k. Suhata reka, 51, „Emanuil Waskidovich“, Str.
1517, Sofia