Primary tubercular dacryocystitis – a case report and review of 18 cases from the literature

ABSTRACT

Tuberculosis is an airborne communicable disease primarily affecting lungs. Primary tuberculosis of the lacrimal sac is very rare. A 15-year-old girl presented with bilateral epiphora for 8 months. Examination revealed bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction. During dacryocystorhinostomy, bone over lacrimal sac was found partially eroded. Lacrimal sac was found filled with caseous white material. Biopsy from the lacrimal sac revealed tubercular granulomas. Patient improved after anti-tubercular therapy.

Abbreviations: PCR: polymerase chain reaction; NAAT: nucleic acid amplification test

KEYWORDS:

• Dacryocystorhinostomy
• lacrimal sac
• tuberculosis

Disclosure statement

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