Bilateral subacute lacrimal gland enlargement mimicking dacryoadenitis in a 7-year-old boy: a rare adverse effect of valproic acid (sodium valproate)

Abstract

A healthy 7-year-old boy presented with bilateral symmetrical lacrimal gland enlargement; a week later salivary gland enlargement was also noted. Clinical investigations suggested no diagnosis, and surgical biopsy was considered. Valproic acid (sodium valproate), which he was taking for absence seizures, has been reported to cause salivary gland swelling in adults. Suspecting that a similar mechanism could be causal, the drug was discontinued. Complete resolution of the lacrimal and salivary gland enlargement rapidly ensued. This is the first report of lacrimal gland enlargement caused by valproic acid.