Ectopic lacrimal gland causing intermittent proptosis

Abstract

Unilateral proptosis secondary to ectopic lacrimal gland tissue is rare. The most common site of ectopic lacrimal gland tissue is at the bulbar conjunctiva and limbal area. Although uncommon, intraorbital ectopic lacrimal gland tissue may mimic other ominous symptoms of intraorbital neoplasm in childhood. We present a rare case of intraconal ectopic lacrimal gland tissue in a 14-year-old girl with intermittent proptosis since childhood associated with subconjunctival hemorrhage and excruciating pain. She underwent lateral orbitotomy with orbital mass excision that resulted in good outcomes and no recurrence was seen at 6 months after the surgery.

Keywords

• ectopic lacrimal gland
• intermittent proptosis
• subconjunctival hemorrhage