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Epstein-Barr virus-related dacryocystitis: a case report
J Sternberg1, S Lambiel2, H Cao Van2
1Department of Pediatrics, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland. julie_sternberg6@hotmail.com.
Journal of Medical Case Reports
|November 19, 2022
Summary
Acute dacryocystitis, a rare Epstein-Barr virus manifestation in children, is often underdiagnosed. Conservative management, including massage and antibiotics, offers an excellent prognosis, avoiding unnecessary surgery.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute dacryocystitis is an uncommon complication of pediatric mononucleosis.
- This condition is frequently underdiagnosed due to nonspecific initial symptoms.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old girl presented with preseptal cellulitis, later developing a nasolacrimal region lump.
- Serology confirmed acute mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus-related dacryocystitis.
- Absence of spontaneous purulent discharge was noted.
Findings:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) can cause acute dacryocystitis in children without prior ophthalmic history.
- Diagnosis can be challenging due to nonspecific symptoms like rhinitis, fever, and eyelid edema.
- Conservative treatment, including digital lacrimal sac massage and antibiotics, yielded excellent outcomes.
Implications:
- Differentiating dacryocystitis from abscess is critical for appropriate treatment selection.
- Conservative management is the preferred approach for EBV-related dacryocystitis, minimizing the need for surgery.
- Increased awareness of this rare manifestation can improve pediatric patient outcomes.
