Lacrimal gland enlargement as an early clinical or radiological sign in thyroid orbitopathy

Abstract

This case represents, to our knowledge, the first report of LG enlargement as an initial presenting sign of TO. Further clinical and radiological studies looking at the natural history of TO would be useful to better understand the timing of LG involvement. In patients presenting with lacrimal gland enlargement, thyroid orbitopathy should be strongly considered in the differential diagnosis together with other causes of dacryoadenitis and LG tumors. This may save unnecessary and extensive diagnostic testing or even LG biopsies.