Congenital dacryocystocele with intranasal extension

Abstract

Purpose: Congenital dacryocystocele is a rare anomaly in the newborn child. The swelling of lachrymal sac is observed by birth and it is associated with obstruction of lachrymal system either above or below lachrymal sac.

Methods: Diagnosis was made by clinical observation. Some ancillary examinations, such as ultrasonography, tomography, and rhinoscopy, were useful.

Results: The authors describe the clinical case of a newborn with a unilateral congenital dacryocystocele. This anomaly was successfully treated with probing and marsupialization of the nasal cyst.

Conclusions: Treatment of this congenital anomaly is by light compressive massage, probing with silicone intubation of lachrymal system to assure prolonged permeability of the system, or with marsupialization of the nasal cyst. In some cases with intranasal extension of dacryocystocele, collaboration with an otolaryngologist may be necessary. (Eur J Ophthalmol 2004; 15: 126-8).