Tattoo-associated lacrimal gland enlargement and sarcoidosis

Purpose: To describe a case of tattoo-associated sarcoidosis presenting with cutaneous findings of tattoo granulomas and ophthalmic manifestation of isolated bilateral lacrimal gland enlargement.

Observations: A 35-year-old female presented with bilateral upper eyelid swelling for over a year. She reported no associated episodes of ocular pain or visual decline since onset of eyelid edema. On examination, the lacrimal glands were firm and enlarged bilaterally. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated no evidence of active or prior ocular inflammation. Further systemic examination revealed multiple raised papules within a 4-year-old chest/shoulder tattoo. Histopathology from a lacrimal gland biopsy showed non-caseating granulomas consistent with sarcoidosis.

Conclusions and importance: The authors report a rare case of a 35-year-old presenting with isolated dacryoadenitis and tattoo granulomas found to be a tattoo-associated sarcoidosis. Although uveitis is a commonly described ocular manifestation in tattoo-associated sarcoidosis, few reports have described lacrimal gland enlargement as a presenting ophthalmic feature in tattoo-associated sarcoidosis.