Rosai-Dorfman syndrome affecting the lacrimal gland

Abstract

This is a case report of Rosai-Dorfman syndrome in a 36-year-old Caucasian male, involving the lacrimal gland, cervical lymph nodes, nasal and sinusal mucosa. It was successfully treated with appropriate immunosuppression. He had initially presented to the ENT surgeon with nasal and sinusal mucosal thickening and bleeding. Cervical lymph node biopsy produced a histological diagnosis compatible with Rosai-Dorfman disease. Later he developed an acute red proptotic eye. He had severe proptosis due to an enlarged lacrimal gland. He refused surgical excision of the tumour, which is suggested if there is an ocular adnexal involvement. Conservative treatment with systemic steroid resulted in the resolution of lacrimal gland swelling, nasal sinusal mucosal thickening and cervical lymphadenopathy. Previous studies have shown that patients with Rosai-Dorfman syndrome are often black males1 and require surgery.