CONGENITAL NASOLACRIMAL DUCT CYSTS IN DACRYOCYSTOCELE

Cystic intranasal masses were found in seven newborn infants with congenital dacryocystocele. The cysts were a direct extension of the nasolacrimal duct, located beneath the inferior turbinate. Nasal obstruction was present in three infants and was severe enough to cause respiratory distress in two neonates with bilateral cysts. Using fiberoptic nasal endoscopy, treatment consisting of probing, irrigation, and marsupialization of the cysts was successful in all infants. The authors believe this rarely reported anomaly is a more common finding in dacryocystocele than previously recognized and advocate careful nasal examination in all infants with congenital dacryocystocele. Early diagnosis and treatment of this condition is critical in the infant with nasal obstruction.