Acute dacryoadenitis in a patient with SARS-CoV-2 infection

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Orbital inflammatory disease (OID) and dacryoadenitis are conditions affecting the eye socket and lacrimal gland.
• The potential association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and OID remains an area of investigation.

Observation:

• A 22-year-old male presented with acute dacryoadenitis, eyelid swelling, and blurred vision.
• Symptoms worsened despite initial antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment, progressing to partial ophthalmoplegia.
• The patient had recent close contact with individuals positive for SARS-CoV-2, and serological tests confirmed past infection, despite negative PCR.

Findings:

• Orbital imaging confirmed acute dacryoadenitis.
• Treatment with oral steroids resulted in rapid symptom improvement and clinical stability at two months.
• Laboratory workup, including infectious and autoimmune screening, was unremarkable.

Implications:

• This case suggests a possible link between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of dacryoadenitis and OID.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the potential causal relationship and underlying mechanisms.
• Ophthalmologists should consider COVID-19 in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with orbital inflammatory conditions.