Learn About Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome
Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome is an eye problem that is similar to conjunctivitis ("pink eye"). It most often affects only one eye. It occurs with swollen lymph nodes and an illness with a fever.
Note: Parinaud syndrome (also called upgaze paresis) is a different disorder in which you have trouble looking upward. The latter can be caused by a brain tumor, and requires an evaluation by your health care provider very promptly.
Cat scratch disease; Oculoglandular syndrome
Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome (POS) is caused by an infection with bacteria, a virus, fungus, or parasite.
The most common causes are cat scratch disease and tularemia (rabbit fever). The bacteria that cause either condition can infect the eye. The bacteria can directly enter the eye (on a finger or other object), or air droplets that carry the bacteria can land on the eye.
Other infectious diseases may spread the same way, or through the bloodstream to the eye.
Symptoms include:
- Red, irritated, and painful eye (looks like "pink eye")
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Increased tearing (possible)
- Swelling of nearby lymph glands (often in front of the ear)
Depending on the cause of the infection, antibiotics may be helpful. Surgery may be needed in rare cases to clean away the infected tissues.
Aurora Family Medicine
Trista Kleppin is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Muskego, Wisconsin. Dr. Kleppin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Pulmonary Embolism, Melorheostosis with Osteopoikilosis, Melorheostosis, and Osteopenia.
Advocate Medical Group Primary Care
Sumin Shah is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Orland Park, Illinois. Dr. Shah is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Sitosterolemia, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Infant Hyperglycemia, and High Cholesterol.
Atrium Health Primary Care One Health Family Medicine Mooresville
Anna Claugus is a primary care provider, practicing in Family Medicine in Mooresville, North Carolina. Dr. Claugus is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parinaud Oculoglandular Syndrome. Her top areas of expertise are Decorticate Posture, Decerebrate Posture, High Cholesterol, and Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia. Dr. Claugus is currently accepting new patients.
The outlook depends on the cause of the infection. In general, if the diagnosis is made early and treatment starts right away, the outcome of POS can be very good.
Serious complications are rare.
The conjunctival nodules can sometimes form sores (ulcers) during the healing process. The infection can spread to nearby tissues or into the bloodstream.
Contact your provider if you develop a red, irritated, painful eye.
Frequent hand washing can reduce the likelihood of getting POS. Avoid being scratched by a cat, even a healthy cat. You can avoid tularemia by not having contact with wild rabbits, squirrels, or ticks.
Published Date: July 09, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Gruzensky WD. Parinaud oculoglandular syndrome. In: Mannis MJ, Holland EJ, eds. Cornea. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 41.
Rubenstein JB, Kelly E. Infectious conjunctivitis. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 4.6.