Lacrimal Gland Ductulitis: Clinical Features and Management

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics and management of a group of patients who had infection of the lacrimal gland ductules. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 12 patients who had infection of the lacrimal gland ductules and were managed at Saevit Eye Hospital from June 2010 to May 2012. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 31.8 +/- 17.7 years, and 7 were male and 5 were female. Common symptoms were a painful, swelling mass with mucous discharge (8 eyes) and conjunctival injection (4 eyes) at the lateral canthal area. All patients underwent surgical intervention by incision and curettage. Eleven patients (91.7%) had typical sulfur granule of actinomyces, and 8 patients (66.7%) had many cilia in the expressed debris from the ductule. All patients had resolution of symptoms after the procedure and showed no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Infective lacrimal gland ductulitis should be considered when a painful swelling mass with mucous discharge at the lateral canthal area is present. Surgical intervention by incision and curettage can be attempted preferentially as a minimally-invasive treatment option.