Abstract Listings 2024

Purpose

We describe a rare case of a tarsal dermoid cyst of the lower lid, initially presenting as a recurrent pseudomembranous conjunctivitis.

Methods

A 16-year old female presented with a 2-year history of intermittent episodes of right eye injection, discomfort and discharge from the lower lid. She was initially reviewed by her optometrist who referred her to our service with suspected pseudomembranous conjunctivitis after failure to respond to topical antibiotic ointment.
On examination a discrete 10mm x 8mm mass with imbedded hairs and a localised inflammatory reaction was noted on the tarsal face of the right lower lid. Excision biopsy was performed under local anaesthetic.

Results

Histopathological examination confirmed a tarsal conjunctival dermoid cyst containing adipose tissue and abundant hair shafts with a multinucleated giant cell reaction.

Conclusion

Tarsal dermoid cysts are a rare benign tumour of the orbit. Fewer than ten cases have been reported in the literature, and most cases present with localised swelling. However, in this case the location of the dermoid cyst provoked an inflammatory reaction, masquerading as conjunctivitis. This case also highlights the importance of lid eversion when assessing cases of suspected conjunctivitis.

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