INFANTILE DACRYOCYSTITIS

Abstract

Infantile dacryocystitis is usually preceded by congenital obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct (NLD) commonly at the valve of Hasner. Most infants present with an increased tear lake and discharge. Positive regurge test confirms the diagnosis. Diagnostic tests include fluorescein dye disappearance test (DDT), Jones pnmary and secondary dye tests, and lacrimal drainage irrigation. Special investigations include dacryocystography (DCG), lacrimal scintillography and computerized tomography (CT) scanning. • Treatment of dacryocystitis depends on the clinical manifestations of the disease and whether acute or chronic. Different lines of treatment include medical treatment with topical antibiotics and massage, probing, silicone intubation and recently balloon catheter dilatation of the lacrimal drainage system. dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the final procedure. Endonasal laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy has recently generated much interest among lacrimal surgeons.