Congenital lacrimal sac diverticulum

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Anatomy

Background:

• Recurrent acute dacryocystitis in infants can significantly impact quality of life.
• Congenital nasolacrimal sac diverticulum is a rare anomaly, often asymptomatic.
• Prompt diagnosis and targeted intervention are crucial for managing pediatric eye conditions.

Observation:

• A 6-month-old boy presented with recurrent acute dacryocystitis from 3 months to 1 year of age.
• The underlying cause was identified as a congenital nasolacrimal sac diverticulum.
• The patient's lacrimal drainage system was determined to be patent.

Findings:

• An isolated diverticulectomy was successfully performed, excluding the need for dacryocystorhinostomy.
• The infant remained asymptomatic at a 6-month follow-up post-surgery.
• This case demonstrates the efficacy of diverticulectomy for symptomatic congenital nasolacrimal sac diverticulum.

Implications:

• Congenital nasolacrimal sac diverticulum should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infantile dacryocystitis.
• Isolated diverticulectomy is a viable surgical option for symptomatic cases with a patent lacrimal drainage system.
• Early surgical intervention can prevent complications and improve outcomes in pediatric ophthalmology.