Cutaneous leishmaniasis of the eyelids: Retrospective evaluation of 18 patients

OBJECTIVE: Although eyelid involvement is rare in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), it can cause severe ocular complications if the diagnosis is delayed and not treated. Our purpose in this study is to examine the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment methods as well as accompanying ocular complications in patients with CL diagnosis and eyelid involvement. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment methods of the disease as well as accompanying ocular complications were examined for 18 patients with CL diagnosis and eyelid involvement between May 2018 and October 2022 in our Dermatology and venereal diseases clinic. RESULTS: 10 (55%) of the patients were male and 8 (45%) were female. Unilateral lower eyelid involvement was most common (9 patients [50%]). Chalazion-like lesions (8 patients [45%]) were observed most commonly. All patients were diagnosed with CL by direct microscopic examination and were given systemic meglumine antimonate treatment. No ocular complications were observed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: It should be kept in mind that eyelid involvement may occur in CL, and ophthalmological examinations of these cases should be performed and treatment should be initiated in the early period to prevent possible ocular complications.