Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026

Transcanalicular Diode Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy for the Treatment of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Published on: October 13, 2017
Lacrimal Gland Ductal Cyst Complicated by Abscess Formation
Hadeel Sadek1, Neena Mirani1,2, Huey-Jen Lee3
1Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
This case report details a rare abscess within a lacrimal gland ductal cyst in a 52-year-old woman. Magnetic resonance imaging was crucial in diagnosing this acute eyelid swelling and pain.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pathology
Background:
- Lacrimal gland ductal cysts are uncommon, and their abscess formation is exceptionally rare.
- This case highlights a potential complication of pre-existing lacrimal ductal abnormalities.
Observation:
- A 52-year-old female presented with acute left upper eyelid swelling, erythema, chemosis, epiphora, and pain.
- A 7-month history of a left lateral upper eyelid nodule preceded the acute symptoms.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging revealed a well-circumscribed cystic mass in the left lacrimal gland with a fluid-fluid level.
- Surgical confirmation identified an abscess within the lacrimal gland, with histopathology showing a dilated lacrimal duct containing inflammatory exudate.
Implications:
- This is one of the few reported cases of an acute lacrimal gland ductal cyst abscess.
- The study presents the first reported case with diagnostic MR imaging findings, aiding in understanding and diagnosing this rare condition.
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium
Multicellular glands are formed during early development when epithelial budding...
Gallbladder
The gallbladder's anatomy consists of three regions: the fundus, body, and neck. Extending from the neck, the cystic duct joins...
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sebaceous Glands
These glands that produce the oils on the skin and hair are holocrine glands. The mature...
Exocrine Glands: Methods of Secretion
Merocrine Secretion
Merocrine secretion is the most common type of exocrine secretion. The secretions are enclosed in vesicles and moved to the cell's apical surface, where the contents are released by exocytosis. For example, mucous, a watery secretion rich in the glycoprotein mucin, is a merocrine secretion. The eccrine...
Exocrine Glands: Unicellular and Multicellular Glands
The Mammary Glands
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...

