Which structure is inflamed in dacryoadenitis?

Which structure is inflamed in dacryoadenitis?

• A. Lacrimal gland
• B. Lacrimal sac
• C. Nasolacrimal duct
• D. Conjunctiva

Answer: (A)

Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal gland, which sits in the superolateral orbit. When the gland is inflamed, you see tenderness and swelling of the outer upper eyelid in that area, often with discomfort or pain on touch. This distinguishes it from other structures: inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis) causes swelling at the medial canthus (inner corner) with tearing and sometimes discharge, not the lateral upper eyelid. The nasolacrimal duct is part of tear drainage; involvement typically affects tearing and drainage rather than producing a focal gland swelling. Inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) gives diffuse redness of the eye surface with discharge, not a localized gland enlargement.

Dacryoadenitis is inflammation of the lacrimal gland, which sits in the superolateral orbit. When the gland is inflamed, you see tenderness and swelling of the outer upper eyelid in that area, often with discomfort or pain on touch. This distinguishes it from other structures: inflammation of the lacrimal sac (dacryocystitis) causes swelling at the medial canthus (inner corner) with tearing and sometimes discharge, not the lateral upper eyelid. The nasolacrimal duct is part of tear drainage; involvement typically affects tearing and drainage rather than producing a focal gland swelling. Inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) gives diffuse redness of the eye surface with discharge, not a localized gland enlargement.