Clinical Evaluation of Lacrimal Gland Ductal Disease

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and management of lacrimal gland ductal disease, a rare disease often mistaken for other diseases. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 11 patients (11 eyes, 5 males, 6 females) diagnosed with lacrimal ductal disease between March 2007 and April 2013 was performed. RESULTS: Among 11 eyes in 11 patients, 4 were diagnosed with dacryops and 7 with lacrimal gland ductulitis initiated by dacryolith. The mean age of the subjects was 47.9 years (range, 30-80 years). Lacrimal gland ductulitis patients received treatment for conjunctivitis or hordeolum for several months. Four cases involved the right eye and 7 cases involved the left eye. Symptoms included foreign body sensation, pus-like discharge and palpable mass. Biopsy was performed in 3 cases and showed no specific findings. Patients with dacryops underwent marsupialization, whereas patients diagnosed with lacrimal gland ductulitis underwent excision and dacryolith curettage. During the 2-month follow-up period, all cases showed no signs of recurrence or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Lacrimal gland ductal disease can be mistaken for other diseases such as conjunctivitis, hordeolum, or orbital cyst, thus requiring accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.