Neonatal dacryocystitis associated with nasolacrimal duct cysts

Neonatal dacryocystitis is a rare complication of congenital nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction. Recent reports suggest that the association of neonatal dacryocystitis and NLD cysts may be more common than previously believed. The purpose of this study is to describe the nasal endoscopic findings and treatment of three patients with this disorder. In this prospective study, three consecutive patients who presented at 2 weeks of age or less with dacryocystitis were treated with NLD probing and rigid nasal endoscopy. All patients were found to have congenital NLD cysts at the time of NLD probing. The cysts were marsupialized under endoscopic visualization. The treatment was successful in all patients. Dacryocystitis in the early newborn period is commonly associated with NLD cysts. Nasal endoscopic marsupialization of the cysts is an effective adjunct to treatment of these patients.