Wegener's granulomatosis. Eyelid and conjunctival manifestations as the presenting feature in two individuals.

BACKGROUND

Wegener's granulomatosis is a necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis that may exist in a generalized or limited form and has a variety of unusual and uncommon presentations. Although ocular manifestations are relatively common in the disease at some point, the eyelid and its conjunctival lining are rarely involved. When this area is the initial focus of the disease, diagnosis may be difficult.

RESULTS

The authors present two patients with Wegener's granulomatosis who had involvement of the palpebral conjunctiva as the initial manifestation.

CONCLUSION

Eyelid and conjunctival involvement in Wegener's granulomatosis is uncommon. When it is the initial manifestation of this disease, a diagnosis of Wegener's may be delayed unless this unusual presentation is recognized.