Congenital dacryocystocele: sonographic evaluation of 11 cases

To report prenatal sonographic findings of congenital dacryocystocele.

The medical records of all cases diagnosed with congenital dacryocystocele at a tertiary care center from 2003 to 2015 were reviewed retrospectively.

Eleven cases of congenital dacryocystocele were analyzed. No accompanying fetal anatomic anomalies where detected. Mean maternal age at evaluation was 22 years of age (range, 17-32 years). Four of 10 cases were primigravidas. The mean gestational age at evaluation was 32.6 weeks' gestational age. Ten out of 11 cases occurred in female fetuses (91%). Of the 11, 10 cases were unilateral and 1 was bilateral. The mean diameter at evaluation was 5.1 mm. Spontaneous resolution occurred in 2 cases (18%). In the remaining 9 fetuses, postnatal diagnosis of dacryocystocele were confirmed by an ophthalmologist evaluation.

Prenatally diagnosed congenital dacryocystocele may undergo spontaneous resolution before birth. However, a better understanding of the prenatal sonographic findings can help to appropriately orient parents of potentially affected fetuses. Referral to a pediatrician and pediatric ophthalmologist may be considered for complete evaluation and postnatal management.