Dacryocystitis (Clinical)

Overview

Definition^[2,7,8]

Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the subsequent stasis of tears. The condition can have an acute or chronic onset. Acute dacryocystitis presents within hours or days with redness, swelling, tenderness, and excessive tearing. Dacryocystitis is an inflammation Inflammation Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body’s defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation of the lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis due to nasolacrimal duct Nasolacrimal Duct Nasolacrimal duct. Dacryocystitis (NLD) obstruction and the subsequent stasis of tears.

Anatomy and physiology^[3,7]

• Lacrimal glands Lacrimal Glands Dacryocystitis
  • Location: upper lateral aspect of orbit ( lacrimal fossa Lacrimal Fossa Dacryocystitis)
  • Function: produce tears that protect and lubricate the outer portion of the eye
• Tear drainage system Tear Drainage System Dacryocystitis
  • Lacrimal canaliculi Lacrimal Canaliculi Dacryocystitis
  • Valve of Rosenmuller Valve of Rosenmuller Dacryocystitis: mucosal fold between the canaliculi and lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis
  • Lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis: dilated portion of the NLD
  • NLD: drains into the inferior nasal meatus Nasal meatus Nose Anatomy (External & Internal)
  • Valve of Hasner Valve of Hasner Dacryocystitis: mucosal fold partially covering the NLD that opens into the nasal meatus Nasal meatus Nose Anatomy (External & Internal)
• Physiology
  • Released tears lubricate the eye → enter the lacrimal canaliculi Lacrimal Canaliculi Dacryocystitis (through puncta lacrimalia) at the medial eye corner → common canaliculus →  lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis → drains into the NLD

Epidemiology^[3]

• Bimodal distribution Bimodal distribution Measures of Central Tendency and Dispersion:
  • After birth (congenital cases)
  • In adults > 40 years of age
• Congenital NLD obstruction:
  • Affects 6% of newborns 
  • Spontaneous resolution in 80‒90% of affected infants by 10 months of life 
• In adults, women > men
• White individuals are more commonly affected.

Types of Dacryocystitis

Based on etiology

• Congenital NLD obstruction:^[9]
  • Most common cause: membranous obstruction at the valve of Hasner Valve of Hasner Dacryocystitis due to incomplete canalization of the nasolacrimal apparatus 
• Congenital dacryocystocele Congenital Dacryocystocele Dacryocystitis:^[3,10,19]
  • Incidence Incidence The number of new cases of a given disease during a given period in a specified population. It also is used for the rate at which new events occur in a defined population. It is differentiated from prevalence, which refers to all cases in the population at a given time. Measures of Disease Frequency of 1%–12%
  • Obstruction at both proximal and distal portions of nasolacrimal duct Nasolacrimal Duct Nasolacrimal duct. Dacryocystitis system
    • Proximal: blockage at the common canaliculus or the valve of Rosenmüller
    • Distal: blockage usually at the valve of Hasner Valve of Hasner Dacryocystitis
  • Seen as a swelling Swelling Inflammation inferior to the medial canthus, but can present as respiratory distress (from nasal obstruction) in newborns
• Acquired:^[7,8]
  • Nasal pathology: deviated septum, nasal polyp, hypertrophied inferior turbinate
  • Tumors: primary lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis tumors and benign Benign Fibroadenoma papilloma Papilloma A circumscribed benign epithelial tumor projecting from the surrounding surface; more precisely, a benign epithelial neoplasm consisting of villous or arborescent outgrowths of fibrovascular stroma covered by neoplastic cells. Cowden Syndrome or malignancies
  • Trauma: nasal fracture Fracture A fracture is a disruption of the cortex of any bone and periosteum and is commonly due to mechanical stress after an injury or accident. Open fractures due to trauma can be a medical emergency. Fractures are frequently associated with automobile accidents, workplace injuries, and trauma. Overview of Bone Fractures and surgery
  • Dacryolith: stone within the lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis
  • Inflammatory disease: sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease that causes noncaseating granulomas. The exact etiology is unknown. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes, but it can also affect almost every system in the body, including the skin, heart, and eyes, most commonly. Sarcoidosis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis A multisystemic disease of a complex genetic background. It is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) leading to damage in any number of organs. The common features include granulomatous inflammation of the respiratory tract and kidneys. Most patients have measurable autoantibodies (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) against myeloblastin. Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
  • Sinusitis Sinusitis Sinusitis refers to inflammation of the mucosal lining of the paranasal sinuses. The condition usually occurs concurrently with inflammation of the nasal mucosa (rhinitis), a condition known as rhinosinusitis. Acute sinusitis is due to an upper respiratory infection caused by a viral, bacterial, or fungal agent. Sinusitis: maxillary and ethmoidal
  • Medications: timolol Timolol A beta-adrenergic antagonist that is similar in action to propranolol; the levo-isomer is more active. Timolol has been proposed as an anti-hypertensive, anti-arrhythmic, anti-angina, and anti-glaucoma agent. It is also used in the treatment of migraine disorders and tremor. Class 2 Antiarrhythmic Drugs (Beta Blockers), pilocarpine Pilocarpine A slowly hydrolyzed muscarinic agonist with no nicotinic effects. Pilocarpine is used as a miotic and in the treatment of glaucoma. Cholinomimetic Drugs, dorzolamide, idoxuridine, and trifluridine

Based on onset

• Acute dacryocystitis Acute Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis:^[7,8,13]
  • Acute inflammation Acute Inflammation Inflammation of the lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis arising from obstruction of the lacrimal system
  • Obstruction leads to stagnation of tears, providing an environment for bacterial growth. 
  • Common organisms in local infection or abscess Abscess Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection. Chronic Granulomatous Disease:
    • Staphylococcus epidermidis Staphylococcus epidermidis A species of staphylococcus that is a spherical, non-motile, gram-positive, chemoorganotrophic, facultative anaerobe. Mainly found on the skin and mucous membrane of warm-blooded animals, it can be primary pathogen or secondary invader. Staphylococcus and S. aureus S. aureus Potentially pathogenic bacteria found in nasal membranes, skin, hair follicles, and perineum of warm-blooded animals. They may cause a wide range of infections and intoxications. Staphylococcus
    • Alpha-hemolytic streptococci: S. pneumoniae, S. viridans
    • Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pseudomonas aeruginosa A species of gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria commonly isolated from clinical specimens (wound, burn, and urinary tract infections). It is also found widely distributed in soil and water. P. Aeruginosa is a major agent of nosocomial infection. Pseudomonas
• Chronic dacryocystitis Chronic Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis:^[2,6,7]
  • Insidious onset
  • Chronic obstruction from:
    • Recurrent infections Recurrent infections Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID)
    • Dacryoliths
    • Systemic diseases (including sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease that causes noncaseating granulomas. The exact etiology is unknown. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes, but it can also affect almost every system in the body, including the skin, heart, and eyes, most commonly. Sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory condition that causes immune-complex deposition in organs, resulting in systemic manifestations. Women, particularly those of African American descent, are more commonly affected. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ( SLE SLE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory condition that causes immune-complex deposition in organs, resulting in systemic manifestations. Women, particularly those of African American descent, are more commonly affected. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), and granulomatosis with polyangiitis Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis A multisystemic disease of a complex genetic background. It is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) leading to damage in any number of organs. The common features include granulomatous inflammation of the respiratory tract and kidneys. Most patients have measurable autoantibodies (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) against myeloblastin. Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis)
    • Tumors

Clinical Presentation

• Acute dacryocystitis Acute Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis: Symptoms present within hours or days (with pediatric cases having more rapid progression).^[7,8,13]
  • Redness Redness Inflammation
  • Swelling Swelling Inflammation in the medial canthus and inferomedial area of orbit
  • Tenderness below the medial canthus of the eye
  • Purulent discharge Purulent Discharge Dacryocystitis from the punctum
  • Mattering: debris and surface epithelial cells on the eyelashes
  • Epiphora Epiphora Dacryocystitis: excessive tearing
• Chronic dacryocystitis Chronic Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis symptoms include:^[6–8]
  • Epiphora Epiphora Dacryocystitis: most common symptom
  • Fluctuating visual acuity Visual Acuity Clarity or sharpness of ocular vision or the ability of the eye to see fine details. Visual acuity depends on the functions of retina, neuronal transmission, and the interpretative ability of the brain. Normal visual acuity is expressed as 20/20 indicating that one can see at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. Visual acuity can also be influenced by brightness, color, and contrast. Ophthalmic Exam: Increased tear film refracts light abnormally.
  • Mucocele Mucocele A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, or gallbladder. Dacryocystitis:
    • Also called dacryocele Dacryocele A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, or gallbladder. Dacryocystitis or dacryocystocele Dacryocystocele A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, or gallbladder. Dacryocystitis
    • Palpable mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast (formed from trapped fluid) at the medial canthus

Complications

• Complications involving other ocular structures:^[8,11]
  • Preseptal cellulitis Preseptal cellulitis Orbital and preseptal cellulitis are infections differentiated by the anatomic sites affected in the orbit. Infection anterior to the orbital septum is preseptal cellulitis. Inoculation with the pathogen can occur through trauma or surgery. Cellulitis also occurs via extension from a nearby structure (such as from sinus infection or sinusitis). Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis:
    • Infectious inflammation Inflammation Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body’s defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation of the structures anterior to the orbital septum Orbital Septum Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis ( skin Skin The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue. Skin: Structure and Functions and subcutaneous tissue Subcutaneous tissue Loose connective tissue lying under the dermis, which binds skin loosely to subjacent tissues. It may contain a pad of adipocytes, which vary in number according to the area of the body and vary in size according to the nutritional state. Soft Tissue Abscess) 
    • Presents with pain Pain An unpleasant sensation induced by noxious stimuli which are detected by nerve endings of nociceptive neurons. Pain: Types and Pathways, fever Fever Fever is defined as a measured body temperature of at least 38°C (100.4°F). Fever is caused by circulating endogenous and/or exogenous pyrogens that increase levels of prostaglandin E2 in the hypothalamus. Fever is commonly associated with chills, rigors, sweating, and flushing of the skin. Fever, swelling Swelling Inflammation, redness Redness Inflammation, and discharge
  • Orbital cellulitis Orbital cellulitis Orbital and preseptal cellulitis are infections differentiated by the anatomic sites affected in the orbit. Infection posterior to the septum is orbital cellulitis. Inoculation with the pathogen can occur through trauma or surgery. Cellulitis also occurs via extension from a nearby structure (such as from sinus infection or sinusitis). Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis:
    • Infectious inflammation Inflammation Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body’s defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation of the structures posterior to the orbital septum Orbital Septum Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis (orbital fat, muscles, bone Bone Bone is a compact type of hardened connective tissue composed of bone cells, membranes, an extracellular mineralized matrix, and central bone marrow. The 2 primary types of bone are compact and spongy. Bones: Structure and Types)
    • Presents with pain Pain An unpleasant sensation induced by noxious stimuli which are detected by nerve endings of nociceptive neurons. Pain: Types and Pathways, fever Fever Fever is defined as a measured body temperature of at least 38°C (100.4°F). Fever is caused by circulating endogenous and/or exogenous pyrogens that increase levels of prostaglandin E2 in the hypothalamus. Fever is commonly associated with chills, rigors, sweating, and flushing of the skin. Fever, redness Redness Inflammation, discharge, swelling Swelling Inflammation, proptosis Proptosis Retinoblastoma, diplopia Diplopia A visual symptom in which a single object is perceived by the visual cortex as two objects rather than one. Disorders associated with this condition include refractive errors; strabismus; oculomotor nerve diseases; trochlear nerve diseases; abducens nerve diseases; and diseases of the brain stem and occipital lobe. Myasthenia Gravis, and abnormal eye movement
    • Less common complication (of dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the subsequent stasis of tears. The condition can have an acute or chronic onset. Acute dacryocystitis presents within hours or days with redness, swelling, tenderness, and excessive tearing. Dacryocystitis) than preseptal cellulitis Preseptal cellulitis Orbital and preseptal cellulitis are infections differentiated by the anatomic sites affected in the orbit. Infection anterior to the orbital septum is preseptal cellulitis. Inoculation with the pathogen can occur through trauma or surgery. Cellulitis also occurs via extension from a nearby structure (such as from sinus infection or sinusitis). Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis
• Complications beyond the eye:^[11,13]
  • Meningitis Meningitis Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes of the brain, and spinal cord. The causes of meningitis are varied, with the most common being bacterial or viral infection. The classic presentation of meningitis is a triad of fever, altered mental status, and nuchal rigidity. Meningitis: inflammation Inflammation Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body’s defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation of the meninges Meninges The brain and the spinal cord are enveloped by 3 overlapping layers of connective tissue called the meninges. The layers are, from the most external layer to the most internal layer, the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. Between these layers are 3 potential spaces called the epidural, subdural, and subarachnoid spaces. Meninges: Anatomy 
  • Sepsis Sepsis Systemic inflammatory response syndrome with a proven or suspected infectious etiology. When sepsis is associated with organ dysfunction distant from the site of infection, it is called severe sepsis. When sepsis is accompanied by hypotension despite adequate fluid infusion, it is called septic shock. Sepsis and Septic Shock: infection associated with life-threatening organ dysfunction
  • Cavernous sinus thrombosis Cavernous sinus thrombosis Formation or presence of a blood clot (thrombus) in the cavernous sinus of the brain. Infections of the paranasal sinuses and adjacent structures, craniocerebral trauma, and thrombophilia are associated conditions. Clinical manifestations include dysfunction of cranial nerves III, IV, V, and VI, marked periorbital swelling, chemosis, fever, and visual loss. Cranial Nerve Palsies: embolization Embolization A method of hemostasis utilizing various agents such as gelfoam, silastic, metal, glass, or plastic pellets, autologous clot, fat, and muscle as emboli. It has been used in the treatment of spinal cord and intracranial arteriovenous malformations, renal arteriovenous fistulas, gastrointestinal bleeding, epistaxis, hypersplenism, certain highly vascular tumors, traumatic rupture of blood vessels, and control of operative hemorrhage. Gastrointestinal Bleeding of infectious organism(s) causing thrombosis Thrombosis Formation and development of a thrombus or blood clot in the blood vessel. Epidemic Typhus in the cavernous sinus

Diagnosis

Clinical^[7,10,13] 

Testing is based on signs and symptoms.

• Exam findings:
  • Acute dacryocystitis Acute Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis: tender erythematous swelling Swelling Inflammation in the medial canthus and inferomedial area of orbit (which overlies the lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis); purulent discharge Purulent Discharge Dacryocystitis may be expressed from the puncta.
  • Chronic dacryocystitis Chronic Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis: epiphora Epiphora Dacryocystitis, changes in visual acuity Visual Acuity Clarity or sharpness of ocular vision or the ability of the eye to see fine details. Visual acuity depends on the functions of retina, neuronal transmission, and the interpretative ability of the brain. Normal visual acuity is expressed as 20/20 indicating that one can see at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. Visual acuity can also be influenced by brightness, color, and contrast. Ophthalmic Exam, +/– palpable mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast
  • Dacryocystocele Dacryocystocele A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, or gallbladder. Dacryocystitis: bluish swelling Swelling Inflammation over the lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis that presents at birth or within a few days of birth
• Visual acuity Visual Acuity Clarity or sharpness of ocular vision or the ability of the eye to see fine details. Visual acuity depends on the functions of retina, neuronal transmission, and the interpretative ability of the brain. Normal visual acuity is expressed as 20/20 indicating that one can see at 20 feet what should normally be seen at that distance. Visual acuity can also be influenced by brightness, color, and contrast. Ophthalmic Exam testing:
  • Tear filming can cause a mild decrease in vision Vision Ophthalmic Exam.
  • Acute changes not explained by tear filming should prompt evaluation for a more involved condition (ophthalmology referral).
• Nasal examination: to look for intranasal lesions 
• Further workup is also needed if patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship present with:
  • Erythema Erythema Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of disease processes. Chalazion involving the whole orbit
  • Swelling Swelling Inflammation extending superior to the medial canthus
  • Painful extraocular movement

Laboratory tests^[7,13] 

• Culture of lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis discharge:
  • Discharge expressed via Crigler (tear duct) massage
  • Guides antibiotic treatment 
• Additional testing obtained if underlying systemic disease is suspected:
  • Antinuclear antibody (ANA), double-stranded DNA DNA A deoxyribonucleotide polymer that is the primary genetic material of all cells. Eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms normally contain DNA in a double-stranded state, yet several important biological processes transiently involve single-stranded regions. DNA, which consists of a polysugar-phosphate backbone possessing projections of purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (thymine and cytosine), forms a double helix that is held together by hydrogen bonds between these purines and pyrimidines (adenine to thymine and guanine to cytosine). DNA Types and Structure (dsDNA): SLE SLE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory condition that causes immune-complex deposition in organs, resulting in systemic manifestations. Women, particularly those of African American descent, are more commonly affected. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
  • Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody ( ANCA ANCA Group of systemic vasculitis with a strong association with anca. The disorders are characterized by necrotizing inflammation of small and medium size vessels, with little or no immune-complex deposits in vessel walls. Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis): granulomatosis with polyangiitis Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis A multisystemic disease of a complex genetic background. It is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) leading to damage in any number of organs. The common features include granulomatous inflammation of the respiratory tract and kidneys. Most patients have measurable autoantibodies (antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies) against myeloblastin. Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
  • Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE): sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis Sarcoidosis is a multisystem inflammatory disease that causes noncaseating granulomas. The exact etiology is unknown. Sarcoidosis usually affects the lungs and thoracic lymph nodes, but it can also affect almost every system in the body, including the skin, heart, and eyes, most commonly. Sarcoidosis

Fluorescein dye disappearance test Fluorescein Dye Disappearance Test Dacryocystitis^[7]

• Fluorescein dye Fluorescein Dye Ophthalmic Exam is placed into the patient’s eye, and after 5 minutes, an evaluation is done (with cobalt blue filter of slit lamp Slit Lamp A microscope with a light source that can be projected into a linear beam. It allows cross-sectional viewing of the aqueous humor; conjuncteiva; cornea; eyelids; iris; and lens of the eye. Ophthalmic Exam).
• Persistence of dye and asymmetric dye clearance: NLD obstruction confirmed

Imaging^[10,13]

• Computed tomography (CT) scan:
  • To evaluate structures in cases of trauma/fractures
  • To assess mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast or tumor Tumor Inflammation involvement
  • To determine extent of infection/ abscess Abscess Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection. Chronic Granulomatous Disease
  • To differentiate a dacryocystocele Dacryocystocele A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, or gallbladder. Dacryocystitis (a cystic Cystic Fibrocystic Change mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast extending from the lacrimal duct) from endonasal cysts Cysts Any fluid-filled closed cavity or sac that is lined by an epithelium. Cysts can be of normal, abnormal, non-neoplastic, or neoplastic tissues. Fibrocystic Change
• Ultrasonography: can also be used to evaluate a dacryocystocele Dacryocystocele A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, or gallbladder. Dacryocystitis
• Dacryocystography Dacryocystography Dacryocystitis: helps in assessment of anatomical abnormalities of the duct

Nasal endoscopy Endoscopy Procedures of applying endoscopes for disease diagnosis and treatment. Endoscopy involves passing an optical instrument through a small incision in the skin i.e., percutaneous; or through a natural orifice and along natural body pathways such as the digestive tract; and/or through an incision in the wall of a tubular structure or organ, i.e. Transluminal, to examine or perform surgery on the interior parts of the body. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)^[10] 

• Evaluates intranasal pathology such as septal deviation, inferior meatal narrowing, and inferior turbinate hypertrophy Hypertrophy General increase in bulk of a part or organ due to cell enlargement and accumulation of fluids and secretions, not due to tumor formation, nor to an increase in the number of cells (hyperplasia). Cellular Adaptation

Biopsy Biopsy Removal and pathologic examination of specimens from the living body. Ewing Sarcoma of the lacrimal gland^[20]

• Obtained (during dacryocystorhinostomy) if there is no response to standard medical treatment 
• Most common histopathology: chronic inflammation Chronic Inflammation Inflammation with or without fibrosis Fibrosis Any pathological condition where fibrous connective tissue invades any organ, usually as a consequence of inflammation or other injury. Bronchiolitis Obliterans (primary dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the subsequent stasis of tears. The condition can have an acute or chronic onset. Acute dacryocystitis presents within hours or days with redness, swelling, tenderness, and excessive tearing. Dacryocystitis)

Management

Congenital NLD obstruction^[10,12]

• Treatment is planned in consultation with an ophthalmologist.
• NLD probing: contraindicated in acute dacryocystitis Acute Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis
• Crigler massage:
  • Initial treatment
  • Push index finger down on the lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis and slide the finger downward against the bony side of the nose Nose The nose is the human body’s primary organ of smell and functions as part of the upper respiratory system. The nose may be best known for inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide, but it also contributes to other important functions, such as tasting. The anatomy of the nose can be divided into the external nose and the nasal cavity. Nose Anatomy (External & Internal).
  • 10 motions performed 3 times a day
  • Done until child is 1 year of age
  • 90% of NLD obstructions resolve by 6–12 months of age (with highest rate noted in the 1st few months of life).
• Warm compresses Warm Compresses Chalazion (10 minutes, 4 times a day) 
• The patient is reevaluated by ophthalmology if NLD obstruction persists beyond 6–7 months.^[15–17]
  • NLD probing is the 1st-line procedure.
  • Timing of the procedure is at the discretion of the specialist.
  • Performing the procedure at 6 months leads to in-office probing of some infants whose obstruction would have resolved spontaneously.
  • Waiting until age > 12 months would lead to the need for general anesthesia General anesthesia Procedure in which patients are induced into an unconscious state through use of various medications so that they do not feel pain during surgery. Anesthesiology: History and Basic Concepts for the procedure.
• Topical antibiotics:
  • Indicated to treat copious mucopurulent discharge without other signs of infection (e.g., no erythema Erythema Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of disease processes. Chalazion or edema Edema Edema is a condition in which excess serous fluid accumulates in the body cavity or interstitial space of connective tissues. Edema is a symptom observed in several medical conditions. It can be categorized into 2 types, namely, peripheral (in the extremities) and internal (in an organ or body cavity). Edema present)
  • Commonly used agents:
    • Polymyxin B– trimethoprim Trimethoprim The sulfonamides are a class of antimicrobial drugs inhibiting folic acid synthesize in pathogens. The prototypical drug in the class is sulfamethoxazole. Although not technically sulfonamides, trimethoprim, dapsone, and pyrimethamine are also important antimicrobial agents inhibiting folic acid synthesis. The agents are often combined with sulfonamides, resulting in a synergistic effect. Sulfonamides and Trimethoprim
    • Tobramycin sulfate
    • Gentamicin Gentamicin Aminoglycosides
    • Erythromycin Erythromycin A bacteriostatic antibiotic macrolide produced by streptomyces erythreus. Erythromycin a is considered its major active component. In sensitive organisms, it inhibits protein synthesis by binding to 50s ribosomal subunits. This binding process inhibits peptidyl transferase activity and interferes with translocation of amino acids during translation and assembly of proteins. Macrolides and Ketolides
    • Fluoroquinolones Fluoroquinolones Fluoroquinolones are a group of broad-spectrum, bactericidal antibiotics inhibiting bacterial DNA replication. Fluoroquinolones cover gram-negative, anaerobic, and atypical organisms, as well as some gram-positive and multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms. Fluoroquinolones (if others are not effective)
• Congenital dacryocystocele Congenital Dacryocystocele Dacryocystitis:^[10,18]
  • Early treatment is recommended.
  • The cyst is generally sterile Sterile Basic Procedures when diagnosed; initial measure is Crigler massage with prophylactic topical antibiotics.
  • An uninfected dacryocystocele Dacryocystocele A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, or gallbladder. Dacryocystitis can spontaneously resolve with conservative management.
  • Persistence requires NLD probing.
  • An infected dacryocystocele Dacryocystocele A retention cyst of the salivary gland, lacrimal sac, paranasal sinuses, appendix, or gallbladder. Dacryocystitis requires systemic antibiotics and, in some cases, incision and drainage Incision And Drainage Chalazion.

Acute dacryocystitis Acute Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis with infection^[13,14]

• Localized infection:
  • Conservative measures (massage, warm compress)
  • Oral antibiotics (coverage for gram-positive Gram-Positive Penicillins organisms
    • S. aureus S. aureus Potentially pathogenic bacteria found in nasal membranes, skin, hair follicles, and perineum of warm-blooded animals. They may cause a wide range of infections and intoxications. Staphylococcus and S. pneumoniae are the most common.
    • Indicated when erythema Erythema Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of disease processes. Chalazion or edema Edema Edema is a condition in which excess serous fluid accumulates in the body cavity or interstitial space of connective tissues. Edema is a symptom observed in several medical conditions. It can be categorized into 2 types, namely, peripheral (in the extremities) and internal (in an organ or body cavity). Edema is present
    • Typical duration of therapy: 7–10 days^[8]
  • Choices include (but not limited to):
    • Amoxicillin Amoxicillin A broad-spectrum semisynthetic antibiotic similar to ampicillin except that its resistance to gastric acid permits higher serum levels with oral administration. Penicillins–clavulanate
    • Cephalexin
    • Clindamycin Clindamycin An antibacterial agent that is a semisynthetic analog of lincomycin. Lincosamides (ideally in combination with a 3rd-generation cephalosporin Cephalosporin Multidrug-resistant Organisms and Nosocomial Infections)
• Complicated cases with spread of infection or failure of oral antibiotics to resolve symptoms: IV antibiotics (coverage for gram-positive Gram-Positive Penicillins and gram-negative organisms)
  • Extended-spectrum cephalosporin Cephalosporin Multidrug-resistant Organisms and Nosocomial Infections:
    • Children: cefuroxime 
    • Adults: cefazolin Cefazolin A semisynthetic cephalosporin analog with broad-spectrum antibiotic action due to inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis. It attains high serum levels and is excreted quickly via the urine. Cephalosporins
  • Vancomycin Vancomycin Antibacterial obtained from streptomyces orientalis. It is a glycopeptide related to ristocetin that inhibits bacterial cell wall assembly and is toxic to kidneys and the inner ear. Glycopeptides (dosing adjusted based on therapeutic monitoring)
  • Tailor antibiotics to culture results.
• In cases of NLD obstruction (which is the main cause of acute dacryocystitis Acute Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis in the pediatric age group):^[7,13]
  • Continue the conservative measures until reevaluation (between 6 and 12 months of age).
  • If obstruction persists, perform NLD probing (success rate of which is around 70%).
  • If unsuccessful, a 2nd NLD probing can be performed (if age < 12 months).
  • For other alternative procedures after failure of NLD probing, consider procedures used to treat chronic dacryocystitis Chronic Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis. 
• In adults, dacryocystorhinostomy (performed externally or endonasally) is usually required.^[13]

Chronic dacryocystitis Chronic Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis^[6] 

• NLD probing:
  • Successful in 70% of cases
  • Done as an outpatient
• Other options if probing fails:
  • Nasolacrimal stenting Nasolacrimal Stenting Dacryocystitis
  • Balloon dacryoplasty Balloon Dacryoplasty Dacryocystitis 
  • Nasolacrimal intubation Nasolacrimal Intubation Dacryocystitis 
• Percutaneous dacryocystorhinostomy Percutaneous Dacryocystorhinostomy Dacryocystitis (DCR) or endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR):
  • Done when previous therapeutic measures fail
  • For complete NLD obstruction

Differential Diagnosis

• Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis is a common inflammation of the bulbar and/or palpebral conjunctiva. It can be classified into infectious (mostly viral) and noninfectious conjunctivitis, which includes allergic causes. Patients commonly present with red eyes, increased tearing, burning, foreign body sensation, and photophobia. Conjunctivitis: inflammation Inflammation Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body’s defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation of the conjunctiva Conjunctiva The mucous membrane that covers the posterior surface of the eyelids and the anterior pericorneal surface of the eyeball. Eye: Anatomy, the outer lining of the eye. Etiology can be infectious or non-infectious. Patients Patients Individuals participating in the health care system for the purpose of receiving therapeutic, diagnostic, or preventive procedures. Clinician–Patient Relationship present with redness Redness Inflammation and discharge in one or both eyes Both Eyes Refractive Errors. Bacterial conjunctivitis Bacterial Conjunctivitis Conjunctivitis often has purulent discharge Purulent Discharge Dacryocystitis, whereas viral causes have watery discharge.
• Hordeolum Hordeolum A hordeolum is an acute infection affecting the meibomian, Zeiss, or Moll glands of the eyelid. Stasis of the gland secretions predisposes to bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen. Hordeolum (Stye) ( stye Stye A hordeolum is an acute infection affecting the meibomian, Zeiss, or Moll glands of the eyelid. Stasis of the gland secretions predisposes to bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen. Hordeolum (Stye)): an abscess Abscess Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection. Chronic Granulomatous Disease affecting the eyelash follicle or eyelid gland. Stye Stye A hordeolum is an acute infection affecting the meibomian, Zeiss, or Moll glands of the eyelid. Stasis of the gland secretions predisposes to bacterial infection. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogen. Hordeolum (Stye) usually presents as a locally painful, erythematous, swollen eyelid margin. Most lesions resolve spontaneously, but gentle warm compresses Warm Compresses Chalazion facilitate drainage. If the abscess Abscess Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection. Chronic Granulomatous Disease does not resolve, incision and drainage Incision And Drainage Chalazion by an ophthalmologist are performed.
• Chalazion Chalazion A chalazion is one of the most common inflammatory lesions of the eyelid. It is caused by obstruction of the Meibomian or Zeis glands, leading to granulomatous inflammation and resulting in a firm, rubbery, slow-growing nodule that is typically non-tender. Chalazion: a firm, nontender mass Mass Three-dimensional lesion that occupies a space within the breast Imaging of the Breast at the eyelid resulting from obstruction of the Zeis or meibomian glands. The condition is usually managed conservatively with warm compresses Warm Compresses Chalazion. Persistence of the lesion requires incision and curettage Curettage A scraping, usually of the interior of a cavity or tract, for removal of new growth or other abnormal tissue, or to obtain material for tissue diagnosis. It is performed with a curet (curette), a spoon-shaped instrument designed for that purpose. Benign Bone Tumors or glucocorticoid injection by an ophthalmologist.

Billing and Coding

Diagnosis Codes:

These codes are used to diagnose dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the subsequent stasis of tears. The condition can have an acute or chronic onset. Acute dacryocystitis presents within hours or days with redness, swelling, tenderness, and excessive tearing. Dacryocystitis, an infection or inflammation Inflammation Inflammation is a complex set of responses to infection and injury involving leukocytes as the principal cellular mediators in the body’s defense against pathogenic organisms. Inflammation is also seen as a response to tissue injury in the process of wound healing. The 5 cardinal signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. Inflammation of the nasolacrimal sac. The codes distinguish between acute and chronic forms.

Procedures/Interventions:

These codes are for procedures to treat dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the subsequent stasis of tears. The condition can have an acute or chronic onset. Acute dacryocystitis presents within hours or days with redness, swelling, tenderness, and excessive tearing. Dacryocystitis. Acute abscesses may require incision and drainage Incision And Drainage Chalazion, while chronic, recurrent cases are definitively treated with a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) to create a new drainage pathway.

Medications:

This code is for an oral antibiotic like amoxicillin-clavulanate, which is used to treat the acute bacterial infection in dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis Dacryocystitis is inflammation of the lacrimal sac due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction and the subsequent stasis of tears. The condition can have an acute or chronic onset. Acute dacryocystitis presents within hours or days with redness, swelling, tenderness, and excessive tearing. Dacryocystitis.

Complications:

This code is for orbital cellulitis Orbital cellulitis Orbital and preseptal cellulitis are infections differentiated by the anatomic sites affected in the orbit. Infection posterior to the septum is orbital cellulitis. Inoculation with the pathogen can occur through trauma or surgery. Cellulitis also occurs via extension from a nearby structure (such as from sinus infection or sinusitis). Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis, a serious complication where the infection spreads from the lacrimal sac Lacrimal Sac Dacryocystitis to the soft tissues behind the orbital septum Orbital Septum Orbital and Preseptal Cellulitis, requiring urgent treatment.