Dacoadenitis can be which forms?

• A. Acute only
• B. Chronic only
• C. Acute or Chronic
• D. Neither

Answer: (C)

Inflammation of the lacrimal gland, dacryoadenitis, can present in two forms: acute or chronic. The acute form appears suddenly with painful, swollen lacrimal gland in the superior outer aspect of the orbit, often with systemic signs and sometimes discharge; it’s usually due to infection (bacterial or viral). The chronic form develops more insidiously, with a persistent, often painless swelling of the gland and is frequently linked to chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions such as sarcoidosis or Sjögren syndrome. Because both patterns occur, dacryoadenitis can be either acute or chronic.