Gonococcal Dacryoadenitis: A Case Report

Introduction Neisseria Gonorrhoeae (NG) causes sexually transmitted hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis. Involvement of the lacrimal gland is exceedingly rare and has been previously reported in two case reports. Case Presentation This report discusses a 71-year-old male who presented with a painful red left eye. There was notable swelling of the upper eyelid, which was confirmed on CT to be due to lacrimal gland inflammation. Clinical features of dacryoadenitis associated with scleritis were found upon assessment by ophthalmology. Conjunctival swabs were sent for culture and returned positive for NG, following which the patient reported a new sexual encounter previously unknown to the treating clinicians. Following IV ceftriaxone and flucloxacillin, topical steroid and chloramphenicol eye drops, the patient saw marked clinical improvement. Conclusion This case demonstrates that NG may present with unusual features, and clinicians should have a low threshold for conjunctival cultures and promptly explore the sexual and social histories of patients presenting with similar symptomology.