Which of the following is NOT known to cause preauricular lymphadenopathy?

• A. Phthiriasis palpebrarum
• B. Parinaud's Oculoglandular Syndrome
• C. VKC
• D. EKC

Answer: (C)

Preauricular lymphadenopathy appears when the conjunctiva or surrounding tissues are inflamed by an infection or inflammatory process that drains to the preauricular nodes. Parinaud's oculoglandular syndrome is a classic example, with granulomatous conjunctivitis accompanied by palpable preauricular lymph nodes. Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (adenoviral) is also well known to produce preauricular adenopathy due to the contagious conjunctivitis. Phthiriasis palpebrarum can cause conjunctival irritation and inflammation from eyelid infestation, which may lead to reactive lymphadenopathy as well. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis, however, is an allergic, noninfectious condition and does not typically cause new preauricular lymphadenopathy.