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Heerfordt syndrome

Medical expert of the article

Prof. Oded NAHLIELI

Maxillofacial surgeon, dentist

Alexey Kryvenko, medical expert
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025

Causes
Symptoms

Diagnostics
Treatment
Forecast

Heerfordt's syndrome (syn.: uveoparotitis, uveoparotid fever) was described in 1409 by CF Heerfordt as a symptom complex including enlargement of the parotid glands, damage to the uveal tract (iridocyclitis, uveitis), and subfebrile increase in temperature.

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Causes Hierfordt syndrome

The causes of the disease are unknown. However, viral origin or tuberculosis etiology are suggested.

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Symptoms Hierfordt syndrome

Painless or slightly painful bilateral enlargement of the parotid glands is determined, accompanied by an increase in body temperature to subfebrile values (uveoparotid fever), reversible paresis of the facial nerve, uveitis or iridocyclitis. Sometimes polyadenopathy is noted.

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Diagnostics Hierfordt syndrome

Pathomorphological examination of the salivary or lacrimal glands reveals epithelioid granulomas with giant cells. The epithelium of the salivary ducts proliferates into their lumen.

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Treatment Hierfordt syndrome

Corticosteroid therapy, antipyretics and pain relievers are used.

Sometimes the described symptoms go away on their own. Secondary glaucoma may develop on the part of the eyes.

Forecast

The prognosis for Heerfordt syndrome is favorable, with recovery following treatment.

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