Isolated bilateral congenital lacrimal gland agenesis - Report of two cases

Unilateral alacrimia as a presenting symptom of Meckel's cave tumour

Meckel's cave tumour, a rare benign tumour originating from the Schwann cells surrounding the trigeminal nerve within the Meckel's cave region, can present with a variety of clinical manifestations. We report a case of a 44-year-old male patient who presented with symptoms of tear deficiency, including dryness, ocular discomfort, and blurred vision. Diagnostic evaluation revealed the presence of a Meckel's cave tumour harming the trigeminal nerve, leading to alacrimia. This case highlights the association between Meckel's cave tumour and tear deficiency disorders.

Isolated Congenital Lacrimal Gland Agenesis

Congenital alacrima is an uncommon condition marked by a lack of tear production that is present from birth. This condition often occurs in conjunction with various syndromes but can also result from isolated lacrimal gland agenesis. Congenital alacrima should be evaluated in the differential diagnosis for pediatric patients presenting with symptoms of dry eyes, especially in cases without xerostomia or other systemic rheumatologic findings. Following a thorough history and examination, noninvasive imaging techniques can be utilized to assess for potential lacrimal gland agenesis and aid in confirming the diagnosis.

Hypolacrimia and Alacrimia as Diagnostic Features for Genetic or Congenital Conditions

As part of the lacrimal apparatus, the lacrimal gland participates in the maintenance of a healthy eye surface by producing the aqueous part of the tear film. Alacrimia and hypolacrimia, which are relatively rare during childhood or young adulthood, have their origin in a number of mechanisms which include agenesia, aplasia, hypoplasia, or incorrect maturation of the gland. Moreover, impaired innervation of the gland and/or the cornea and alterations of protein secretion pathways can lead to a defective tear film. In most conditions leading to alacrimia or hypolacrimia, however, the altered tear film is only one of numerous defects that arise and therefore is commonly disregarded. Here, we have systematically reviewed all of those genetic conditions or congenital disorders that have alacrimia or hypolacrimia as a feature. Where it is known, we describe the mechanism of the defect in question. It has been possible to clearly establish the physiopathology of only a minority of these conditions. As hypolacrimia and alacrimia are rare features, this review could be used as a tool in clinical genetics to perform a quick diagnosis, necessary for appropriate care and counseling.

Congenital alacrima

The congenital absence of tear production or alacrima is a distinctively unusual clinical sign that harbors a wide variety of etiologies. While alacrima can be only isolated to the lacrimal system, it is more often associated with progressive multisystem involvement from underlying genetic disorders. Recognizing the subtle ocular signs in these diseases will promote a timely diagnosis and management before potential life-threatening consequences occur. Hence, the current article will review the ophthalmological findings, systemic manifestations, genetic associations, and differential diagnosis of congenital alacrima.

Isolated bilateral congenital lacrimal gland agenesis-a case series

We report 2 pediatric cases of isolated bilateral congenital lacrimal gland agenesis (CLGA). Patient 1 (1 year of age) and patient 2 (2 years of age) presented with symptoms of alacrimia and were diagnosed with bilateral isolated CLGA based on magnetic resonance imaging. Both patients were otherwise healthy, with no systemic associations. Molecular analysis for genetic causes of CLGA were negative. Both have been successfully medically managed.

Congenital unilateral absence of the lacrimal gland combined with lipoma. A rare case of unilateral congenital alacrima

The purpose of this report is to describe a case of a unilateral congenital absence of the lacrimal gland in a 7-year-old girl with ocular symptoms, no tear production and a conjunctival tumour at the supero-external angle of the right eye. The visual acuity was 20/20 in both the eyes. The right eye showed mucous secretion, corneal erosions and filaments. Anamnesis, physical examination and clinical tests ruled out systemic diseases associated with congenital alacrima, as well as rheumatic, immunological and infectious diseases. Nuclear magnetic resonance, with various fat suppression techniques, demonstrated the absence of the right lacrimal gland and the presence of a tumour compatible with lipoma. This case, to our knowledge, is the first report of unilateral absence of the lacrimal gland combined with lipoma.

Molecular regulation of ocular gland development

The tear film is produced by two ocular glands, the lacrimal glands, which produce the aqueous component of this film, and the meibomian glands, which secrete the lipidic component that is key to reduce evaporation of the watery film at the surface of the eye. Embryonic development of these exocrine glands has been mostly studied in mice, which also develop Harderian glands, a third type of ocular gland whose role is still not well understood. This review provides an update on the signalling pathways, transcription factors andextracellular matrix components that have been shown to play a role in ocular gland development.