Epstein-Barr virus dacryoadenitis resulting in keratoconjunctivitis sicca in a child.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of severe dry eye syndrome in a child.

METHODS

Observational case report. The authors describe a 10-year-old male with severe dry eyes who was profoundly disabled by pain and photophobia despite aggressive conventional therapy. Lacrimal gland histology was consistent with the primary Sjögren syndrome, and serologic and immunohistologic evidence supported the hypothesis of Epstein-Barr virus causality.

RESULTS

Treatment with systemic acyclovir and cyclosporin A resulted in dramatic and rapid reversal of the profound sicca syndrome and enabled the patient to resume his normal activities.

CONCLUSION

Epstein-Barr virus dacryoadenitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in children. Epstein-Barr virus can cause keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which can be treated successfully with acyclovir therapy in addition to suppression of the inflammatory response.