Congenital bilateral dacryocystocele

Abstract

Introduction: Newborns are obligatory nasal breathers. Therefore, nasal obstruction can lead to cyanosis and desaturation. In spite of being very rare, congenital bilateral dacryocystocele is a possible etiology for neonatal respiratory distress.

Case summary: Case report of a male newborn with respiratory distress caused by a bilateral polypoid and bluish lesion occupying almost the entire inferior nasal meatus. Imaging confirmed bilateral dacryocystocele. Treatment was conservative. There was spontaneous drainage, with relief of respiratory distress. Discussion The diagnosis of congenital dacryocystocele is clinical, although imaging exams may be requested to confirm it. Treatment is controversial, because the natural history is variable. An initial conservative management may be recommended, but, if there is a permanent respiratory obstruction without improvement, surgical management is mandatory.

Keywords: Cyanosis; Dacryocystocele; Nasal endoscopy; Neonatal respiratory obstruction.