Alternate Names: Oculoglandular syndrome

Causes and Risks:

Many different infections can cause Parinaud’s syndrome, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The most common causes are tularemia (rabbit fever) and cat-scratch fever. Tularemia can infect the eye either by direct inoculation of the bacteria into the eye (by a finger or other object) or via aerosolization of the bacteria into the air, which then land on the eye. Other infectious diseases can spread both by these mechanisms and also through the bloodstream to the eye.

Prevention:

Frequent hand washing can reduce the likelihood of acquiring Parinaud’s syndrome. Specifically, tularemia can be avoided by not having contact with wild rabbits, squirrels, or ticks. Young kittens usually transmit cat scratch disease.

Symptoms:

The eye is often red, irritated, and painful, with an increased amount of tears, similar to conjunctivitis. There may be a swelling of the lymph glands nearby, often in front of the ear. A fever and generalized illness may be present.

Signs and Tests:

Examination shows a red, tender, inflamed eye with possible ulcers in the cornea (surface). Tender lymph nodes may be present, in front of the ear. These lymph nodes can fester, depending on the cause of the infection. A fever and other signs of generalized illness may also be found. The white blood cell count may be high or low, depending on the cause of the infection. For many of the infections that cause Parinaud’s syndrome, blood tests to check antibody levels are the main methods used to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, culture of the eye, lymph node or blood or biopsy of the lymph node can be helpful.

Treatment:

Depending on the cause of the infection, antibiotics may be helpful. Also, sometimes surgery is necessary to clean away the infected tissues.

Prognosis:

Prognosis depends on the cause of the underlying infection. In general, if the diagnosis is made early and prompt treatment is begun, the prognosis of Parinaud’s syndrome can be very good.

Complications:

Complications include spread of the infection into nearby tissues or into the bloodstream. Eye complications resulting in blindness can also occur.

You should call your health care provider if you develop a red, irritated, painful eye.