Abstract
Heerfordt syndrome is a condition in which parotid gland enlargement, facial nerve paralysis and uveitis are accompanied by low grade fever, and it is considered a subtype of sarcoidosis. Although the complete type of Heerfordt syndrome exhibiting all four of these symptoms is considered rare, we encountered a patient who showed all four symptoms simultaneously.
The patient was a 24 year old man who consulted our hospital with the chief complaint of left facial nerve paralysis and worsening of blurred vision. Uveitis suggestive of sarcoidosis was noted in both eyes.
The patient had a low grade fever with a body temperature of 37°C, and enlargement and tenderness of the left parotid gland were noted. Chest X-ray films and computed tomography revealed enlargement of the hilar lymph nodes bilaterally and a reticular and granular shadow in the middle lung field, and the diagnosis of Heerfordt's syndrome was made. The tuberculum reaction converted to negative, and the serum angiotensin converting enzyme level was elevated. Biopsy of the anterior scalene node revealed epithelioid cell granuloma, confirming the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. In addition to topical treatment, tapered steroid therapy was provided, and the patient's course has been favorable.
