Dacryocystitis is an

infection An infection is the invasion of tissue (biology), tissues by pathogens, their multiplication, and the reaction of host (biology), host tissues to the infectious agent and the toxins they produce. An infectious disease, also known as a transmis ...

of the

lacrimal sac The lacrimal sac or lachrymal sac is the upper dilated end of the nasolacrimal duct, and is lodged in a deep groove formed by the lacrimal bone and frontal process of the maxilla. It connects the lacrimal canaliculi, which drain tears from th ...

, secondary to obstruction of the

nasolacrimal duct The nasolacrimal duct (also called the tear duct) carries tears from the lacrimal sac of the eye into the nasal cavity. The duct begins in the eye socket between the maxillary and lacrimal bones, from where it passes downwards and backwards. ...

at the junction of the lacrimal sac. The term derives . It causes pain, redness, and swelling over the inner aspect of the lower

eyelid An eyelid ( ) is a thin fold of skin that covers and protects an eye. The levator palpebrae superioris muscle retracts the eyelid, exposing the cornea to the outside, giving vision. This can be either voluntarily or involuntarily. "Palpebral ...

and epiphora. When nasolacrimal duct obstruction is secondary to a congenital barrier it is referred to as dacryocystocele. It is most commonly caused by ''

Staphylococcus aureus ''Staphylococcus aureus'' is a Gram-positive spherically shaped bacterium, a member of the Bacillota, and is a usual member of the microbiota of the body, frequently found in the upper respiratory tract and on the skin. It is often posi ...

'' and ''

Streptococcus pneumoniae ''Streptococcus pneumoniae'', or pneumococcus, is a Gram-positive, spherical bacteria, hemolysis (microbiology), alpha-hemolytic member of the genus ''Streptococcus''. ''S. pneumoniae'' cells are usually found in pairs (diplococci) and do not f ...

''. The most common complication is

corneal ulcer Corneal ulcer, often resulting from keratitis is an inflammatory or, more seriously, infective condition of the cornea involving disruption of its epithelial layer with involvement of the corneal stroma. It is a common condition in humans part ...

ation, frequently in association with ''S. pneumoniae''. The mainstays of treatment are oral

antibiotic An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria. It is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting pathogenic bacteria, bacterial infections, and antibiotic medications are widely used in the therapy ...

s, warm compresses, and relief of nasolacrimal duct obstruction by dacryocystorhinostomy.

Signs and symptoms

*Pain, swelling, redness over the lacrimal sac at medial canthus *Tearing, crusting, fever *Digital pressure over the lacrimal sac may extrude pus through the punctum (also called ''roplas test'' positive) *In chronic cases, tearing may be the only symptom

Pathophysiology

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.

is a common bacterial pathogen causing infectious dacryocystitis. Sometimes, especially in women, stones may develop in the lacrimal gland, causing recurrent bouts of dacryocystitis; this condition is called "acute dacryocystic retention syndrome." Also due to pneumococcus, infection due to surrounding structure such as paranasal sinuses. Left_side_Dacryocystitis_woman_80_years

Prognosis

About 60 percent of initial attacks of dacryocystitis will recur. Individuals with a poorly functioning immune system (immunocompromised) may develop

orbital cellulitis Orbital cellulitis is inflammation of eye tissues behind the orbital septum. It is most commonly caused by an acute spread of infection into the eye socket from either the adjacent sinuses or through the blood. It may also occur after trauma. W ...

, which may lead to

optic neuritis Optic neuritis (ON) is a debilitating condition that is defined as inflammation of cranial nerve II which results in disruption of the neurologic pathways that allow visual sensory information received by the retina to be able to be transmitted to ...

, proptosis, motility abnormalities, or

blindness Visual or vision impairment (VI or VIP) is the partial or total inability of visual perception. In the absence of treatment such as corrective eyewear, assistive devices, and medical treatment, visual impairment may cause the individual difficul ...

References

External links

{{Authority control Disorders of eyelid, lacrimal system and orbit

Signs and symptoms

Pathophysiology

Prognosis

See also

References

External links