The association of lacrimal gland inflammation with alopecia areata.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the association of lacrimal gland inflammation with alopecia areata.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 4 patients diagnosed with lacrimal gland inflammation who had an antecedent or subsequent episode of alopecia. Data was collected on the presentation age, gender, medical history, disease onset, symptoms and signs, imaging, histopathology, systemic evaluation, management and outcome. Pathology and imaging results were correlated with clinical findings.

RESULTS

Three patients were Asian and one Caucasian. Two developed alopecia after presentation for lacrimal inflammation. The remaining two had a history of alopecia totalis (2 years and 10 years). Three of the 4 patients presented or developed other systemic disorders, including seizures, thrombocytopenia, optic neuritis, ulcerative colitis, allergic rhinitis, lymphadenopathy, vasculitic rash and positive p-ANCA values. All received oral corticosteroids, with the addition of methotrexate therapy in one for relapsing inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Lacrimal gland inflammation and alopecia areata are autoimmune processes that can be seen in association with each other.