Lacrimal gland abscess: an unusual complication of rhinosinusitis.

We report the case of a 72-year-old female suffering from mild myelodysplasia who initially presented with a peri-orbital cellulitis secondary to rhinosinusitis. The pre-septal infection failed to completely resolve despite intensive antibiotic therapy and endoscopic drainage of the sinuses. Computerised tomography revealed a complicating suppuration of the lacrimal gland. Incision and drainage of the lacrimal gland abscess led to a complete resolution of the pre-septal cellulitis. Suppuration of the lacrimal gland is, as far as we are aware, a previously unreported complication of rhinosinusitis. Its presence could be borne in mind when evaluating computerised tomography scans of patients presenting with orbital complications of sinusitis, particularly in the immunocompromised. Copyright 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel