A Case of Intramuscular Ectopic Lacrimal Gland Developing within Muller Muscle

Hwang, So Min; Song, Jennifer K; Lim, Kwang Ryeol; Jung, Yong Hui; Ryu, Min Hee

Abstract

Ectopic lacrimal gland is a rare clinical condition. Cases have been recorded in literature describing that ectopic lacrimal tissue has been found at varying sites in and around the eye. Before performing aesthetic blepharoplasty, however, it should be kept in mind that anomalous condition of the lacrimal complex can lead to alterations in ocular lubrication. A 54 year-old female presented with an aging eyelid, but accompanying no other ophthalmologic symptoms. While performing skin incision during blepharoplasty, the right upper lid was directly exposed with prolapsed orbital lobe of lacrimal gland, and diffuse infiltrating hyperplasia of ectopic lacrimal gland tissue in the M?ller muscle bulging out beneath the levator aponeurosis. The left upper lid also revealed ectopic lacrimal gland tissue beneath the aponeurosis. Carefully preserving the main lacrimal complex, ectopic lacrimal gland mass was excised. Histopathology revealed the tissue as lobules of lacrimal gland with some dilated ducts. The ectopic lacrimal gland tissue is a rare clinical entity, and the diagnosis is rarely made on physical bases alone. Therefore, we herein describe a unique clinical case of an ectopic lacrimal gland generated within the M?ller muscle. To our best knowledge, such a case has not yet been described in literature.