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[Actinomycotic lachrymal canaliculitis: a case report]
L Levecq1, P Eloy, M-C Nollevaux
1Service d'Ophtalmologie, Université Catholique de Louvain, Cliniques Universitaires de Mont-Godinne, Yvoir, Belgique. laurent.levecq@ofta.ucl.ac.be
Journal Francais D'Ophtalmologie
|February 9, 2006
Summary
Chronic canaliculitis caused by Actinomyces species in a 62-year-old woman presented as persistent epiphora. Surgical removal of the Actinomyces cast via canaliculotomy effectively resolved the condition when other treatments failed.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Unilateral chronic epiphora can significantly impact quality of life.
- Persistent epiphora resistant to topical antibiotics suggests an underlying chronic infection or obstruction.
- Actinomyces species are known pathogens but rarely implicated in chronic canaliculitis.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old woman presented with chronic unilateral epiphora.
- Prolonged topical antibiotic treatment was ineffective.
- Cultures revealed Actinomyces species, and dacryocystorhinostomy failed to resolve symptoms.
Findings:
- Canaliculotomy with the removal of a solid cast successfully treated the chronic canaliculitis.
- Histological examination confirmed the presence of a solid Actinomyces cast.
- This case highlights Actinomyces as a cause of recalcitrant chronic canaliculitis.
Implications:
- Surgical intervention, specifically canaliculotomy, may be necessary for chronic canaliculitis caused by Actinomyces.
- Accurate diagnosis through culture and histology is crucial for effective treatment planning.
- This case expands the differential diagnosis for chronic epiphora resistant to conventional therapies.