Acute dacryocystitis retention syndrome due to Epstein-Barr virus

A 4 year-old boy with no previous history of eye or nasolacrimal disease was referred due to a painful mass on his left inner canthus, of three days onset, with no improvement in spite of oral antibiotics. On examination eyelid oedema with periocular hyperaemia was noted. Lacrimal sac palpation was painful and tonsillar exudation was reported. He was admitted and started on intravenous (iv) antibiotics. Four days later, lacrimal signs started to improve, but his general condition become worse. Head and neck Computed Tomography scan (CT scan) showed a left lacrimal sac enlargement, suggestive of acute dacryocystitis and swollen laterocervical lymph nodes. Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) serology and PCR testing were positive. The child responded well after eight days, and was discharged with oral antibiotics. Acute dacryocystic retention (ADR) associated with EBV was suspected. Six months later, the patient remained asymptomatic with no tearing or other lacrimal symptoms.