Periocular Mass Due to Persistent Secretion Within a Transplanted Parotid Duct

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Surgical Pathology
• Plastic Surgery

Background:

• Stevens-Johnson syndrome can cause severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca requiring surgical intervention.
• Autologous submandibular gland transplantation is a reconstructive option for severe dry eye.
• Iatrogenic complications following periocular surgery require careful consideration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of Wharton's duct cyst formation 22 years after submandibular gland transplantation.
• To emphasize the importance of considering iatrogenic causes in the differential diagnosis of periocular masses.

Main Methods:

• A case report detailing a patient's presentation and surgical history.
• Intraoperative findings of a tubular mass.
• Histopathological examination of the excised mass.

Main Results:

• A 22-year-old male presented with a subcutaneous mass in the right temple.
• Histology confirmed a Wharton's duct cyst, identified as a tubular structure with cuboidal epithelium.
• The cyst was successfully excised intact.

Conclusions:

• Wharton's duct cysts can form long after autologous submandibular gland transplantation.
• Iatrogenic causes, including prior surgical interventions, should be considered in the diagnosis of periocular masses.
• This case underscores the delayed complications possible after complex reconstructive surgery.