Actinomyces ductular dacryoadenitis resulting in a lacrimal gland abscess

ABSTRACT

Lacrimal gland ductulitis is a rare infection of the lacrimal gland ductules. Individuals affected report a history of chronic mucopurulent conjunctivitis with “stringy” discharge. All patients are clinically noted to have an inflamed lacrimal gland ductule. Prior reports have suggested Actinomyces species as the “probable” etiology.

We report the findings of a 42-year-old male found to have lacrimal gland ductulitis with a lacrimal gland abscess, confirmed by radiologic studies. Surgical drainage was necessitated and performed. Histopathologic analysis confirmed colonization by Actinomyces species, as well as the presence of sulfur granules. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Actinomyces lacrimal gland ductulitis resulting in a secondary lacrimal gland abscess.

KEYWORDS:

• Lacrimal gland abscess
• dacryoadenitis
• Actinomyces
• ductulitis

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The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Proprietary Interest

None of the above authors have any financial interest to declare related to this manuscript.

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