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Dacryolith in an unusual case of epiphora: open or endoscopic approach?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 August 2011

C Gadepalli ,
V Malik ,
C Inkster  and
C Lobo
C Gadepalli*
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Royal Bolton NHS Trust, UK
V Malik
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Royal Bolton NHS Trust, UK
C Inkster
Affiliation:
Department of Ophthalmology, Royal Bolton NHS Trust, UK
C Lobo
Affiliation:
Department of ENT, Royal Bolton NHS Trust, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr C Gadepalli, 10 Bispham Rd, Great Sankey, Warrington WA5 2SU, UK E-mail: chai32@yahoo.com
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Abstract

Introduction:

Dacryoliths are concretions formed in the lacrimal sac from cellular debris and proteins, which may calcify and cause further obstruction of the nasolacrimal pathway. Dacryoliths are often underlying contributors in cases of intermittent or chronic dacryocystitis (i.e. nasolacrimal sac inflammation, characterised by epiphora, pain, erythema, sac dilation and lacrimal punctum swelling).

Objective:

We report an unusual case of dacryolith resulting in obstructive epiphora, managed via an endonasal endoscopic approach.

Method:

Case report and literature review pertaining to dacryolith.

Results:

A 54-year-old man attended the multidisciplinary nasolacrimal clinic due to recurrent epiphora. Obstructive epiphora secondary to chronic dacryocystitis was diagnosed. He underwent endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy. Intra-operatively, a large dacryolith was found to be the cause of epiphora.

Conclusion:

Dacryolith is an unusual cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. This case highlights this unusual cause, and the relevant diagnostic investigations. This case also illustrates successful endonasal endoscopic management, rather than an external, open approach.

Keywords

CalculiLacrimal Duct Apparatus DiseasesDacryocystorhinostomy
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 12 , December 2011 , pp. 1298 - 1300
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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