Epiphora and unrecognized paranasal sinuses pathology

Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. 2020 Jul 3:19:100798. doi: 10.1016/j.ajoc.2020.100798. eCollection 2020 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose: to report five patients all presenting with persistent unilateral epiphora as a sign of unexpected and rare lesions causing Secondary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction (SANDO) and the risks associated to an incomplete diagnostic work-up.

Observations: the cases presented are: (1) Fungus ball, (2) Pyogenic granuloma, (3) Sinonasal inverted papilloma (4) Sinonasal inverted papilloma with synchronous squamous cell carcinoma, (5) Squamous cell carcinoma of the lacrimal sac.

Conclusions and importance: masses are uncommon but not a rare cause of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Surgical teams performing large numbers of dacryocystorhinostomies should be aware of such pathology and perform a systematic multidisciplinary approach.

Keywords: Fungus ball; Lacrimal sac tumors; Pyogenic granuloma; Sinonasal inverted papilloma; Squamous cell carcinoma; Tearing.

Publication types

  • Case Reports