A Case of Acquired Dacryocystocele Treated by Lacrimal Silicone Intubation

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To report a case of an acquired dacryocystocele successfully treated with bicanalicular silicone intubation and to review relating literature. CASE SUMMARY: A 17-year-old girl visited our clinic with tearing of both eyes since birth and a mass on the right medial canthal area for 2 years. A firm, non-tender mass with a well-demarcated border was palpated in the subcutaneous level just inferior to the right medial canthal ligament. Lacrimal irrigation via the lower punctums showed reflux through the opposite punctums without nasal passage in both of her eyes. Computed tomographic scan showed a widening of the right lacrimal sac fossa and bony nasolacrimal canal and a 16 x 18 mm sized cyst-like mass in the right lacrimal sac. The patient was diagnosed with right acquired dacryocystocele associated with bilateral congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions. After opening of the obstructed common canaliculus using a fine lacrimal probe, silicone intubation was performed. The tearing symptom improved and the mass disappeared during the subsequent follow-up period of 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: When only accompanied by distal nasolacrimal duct obstruction, acquired dacryocystocele can be inferred to be associated with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Subsequently, bicanalicular silicone intubation can be considered as a treatment of choice.