| Dacryocystitis | |
|---|---|
| Other names | field =Ophthalmology |
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| A case of dacryocystitis as seen onCT scan | |
| Specialty | Ophthalmology  |
Dacryocystitis is aninfection of thelacrimal sac, secondary to obstruction of thenasolacrimal duct at the junction of the lacrimal sac.[1] The term derives from Greek dákryon 'tear' cysta 'sac' and -itis 'inflammation'.[2] It causes pain,redness, and swelling over the inner aspect of the lowereyelid andepiphora. When nasolacrimal duct obstruction is secondary to a congenital barrier it is referred to asdacryocystocele. It is most commonly caused byStaphylococcus aureus andStreptococcus pneumoniae.[3] The most common complication iscorneal ulceration, frequently in association withS. pneumoniae.[3] The mainstays of treatment are oralantibiotics,warm compresses, and relief of nasolacrimal duct obstruction bydacryocystorhinostomy.[3]
A variety of causes may lead to dacryocystitis. Most notably, obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct leads to stasis of the nasolacrimal fluid, which predisposes to infection.Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterial pathogen causing infectious dacryocystitis.[5] Sometimes, especially in women, stones may develop in the lacrimal gland, causing recurrent bouts of dacryocystitis; this condition is called "acute dacryocystic retention syndrome."[5]Also due to pneumococcus, infection due to surrounding structure such as paranasal sinuses.[citation needed]
About 60 percent of initial attacks of dacryocystitis will recur.[5] Individuals with a poorly functioning immune system (immunocompromised) may developorbital cellulitis, which may lead tooptic neuritis,proptosis, motility abnormalities, orblindness.[5]
Dacryocystitis, or inflammation of the lacrimal sac, is the most common infection of the lacrimal system. It arises because of obstruction of the lacrimal duct, pooling of tears in the lacrimal sac, and subsequent infection. Obstruction may be congenital or may result from trauma, tumors, infection, or inflammation of the duct.