ABSTRACT
Haemolacria, also known as bloody tears, is a physical condition in which a person produces tears partially composed of blood. Multiple disorders can cause haemolacria, including trauma, inflammation, vascular lesions, vicarious menstruation, blood disorders, epistaxis, tumours and psychiatric and systemic disorders. Often, no aetiology is identified. It is usually benign, self-limiting, and the treatment depends on the cause. A 14-year-old girl presented to the paediatric emergency department with sudden onset of bloody tears from both eyes and epistaxis for the first time. A detailed history focusing on aetiological factors was unremarkable. Systemic, ocular, nasal and paranasal examination was also unremarkable. Radiological and laboratory investigations were normal, and the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic haemolacria. High-dose oral vitamin C, prophylactic iron therapy and psychological support were provided as conservative treatment. During regular follow-up, there was a spontaneous reduction in the frequency of symptoms.
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Notes on contributors
Ayla Akca Caglar
Ayla Akca Caglar, Pediatric Emergency Physician, MD, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Halise Akca
Halise Akca, Pediatric Emergency Physician, Associate Professor, MD, Ankara
Funda Kurt
Funda Kurt, Pediatric Emergency Physician, Associate Professor, MD, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Leman Akcan Yildiz
Leman Akcan Yildiz, Pediatric Emergency Physician, MD, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Pinar Nalcacioglu
Pinar Nalcacioglu, Ophthalmologist, Associate Professor, MD, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Onur Buyukkoc
Onur Buyukkoc, Otorhinolaryngologist, MD, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Emine Dibek Misirlioglu
Emine Dibek Misirlioglu, Pediatric Emergency Physician, Professor, MD, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.