[Mycotic lacrimal canaliculitis--cases report]

Mycotic lacrimal canaliculitis is a rare eye disease. Overuse of antibiotics and steroids in the treatment of eye infections is a very serious risk factor. Initial diagnosis of the mycotic infection may be difficult, thus infection may lasts for months. Chronic conjunctivitis, itching, burning sensations, poor response to the treatment may suggest a suspicion of the mycosis. In our paper we report two cases of the mycotic lacrimal canaliculitis, diagnosis and treatment. We could not culture fungal colonies, but we have found fungal structures in direct microscopic detection during the examination of deposits found in the canaliculi. In our opinion it is important to consider fungal infections during the treatment of chronic eye disorders.

Ocular infections due to anaerobic bacteria

The increased recovery of anaerobic bacteria in clinical infection has led to greater appreciation of these organisms in ocular infections. In studies that employed adequate method for recovery of anaerobes they were isolated from about a third of patients with conjunctivitis, half of the time in pure culture. The predominant recovered anaerobes were Clostridium spp., gram-negative anaerobic bacilli, and Peptostreptococcus spp. Anaerobic bacteria were also recovered from patients who wore contact lenses and developed conjunctivitis. Anaerobic bacteria were also reported in cases of keratitis. The most frequently recovered anaerobes were Propionibacterium spp., Peptostreptococcus spp., Clostridium spp., Prevotella spp., and Fusobacterium spp. The most frequently recovered anaerobes from dacryocystitis were Peptostreptococcus spp., Propionibacterium spp., Prevotella spp., and Fusobacterium spp. This review describes the microbiology, diagnosis and management of ocular infections due to anaerobic bacteria in children.

Pneumococcal keratitis: a clinical profile

AIM

To study the clinical features of pneumococcal keratitis and response to ciprofloxacin therapy.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of 58 patients with culture-proven pneumococcal keratitis seen over a period of 2 years.

RESULTS

Pneumococcal keratitis accounted for 33.3% of bacterial keratitis. Most cases presented with non-severe keratitis (77.5%). Co-existing sac pathology was more frequent in pneumococcal ulcers as compared to non-pneumococcal bacterial ulcers (50%vs 9%, P < 0.001). Characteristic clinical features enabling an accurate clinical diagnosis were found in 27.5% and lanceolate diplococci on Gram's stain were identified in 76% of cases. In vitro testing showed a high susceptibility to cephazolin and ciprofloxacin. All patients received ciprofloxacin as first-line therapy. Eighty per cent responded well with complete healing of the ulcer. A second drug was required in 8.5%.

CONCLUSION

Ciprofloxacin therapy can be effective in the treatment of pneumococcal keratitis.

Early and late assessment of internal drainage of chronic dacryocystitis

To evaluate the efficacy of internal drainage of a lacrimal abscess, we treated 10 patients with pyocele of the lacrimal sac, who did not want to undergo operative intervention. A temporary nasolacrimal stent was placed in the nasolacrimal duct, and the pussy material was collected for microbiological examination to adjust the preliminary antibiotic treatment which was given systemically and locally. The stents were removed after the infection had subsided clinically. Three years later, there was a recurrence of the infection in only 1 patient. This internal drainage of the lacrimal sac, combined with systemic and local antibiotics, was successful in 90% of the patients.

[Mycotic dacryocystitis related to naso-lacrimal stent. Case report]

CASE REPORT

A nasolacrimal stent was placed in a diabetic woman with a ten-year history of epiphora. Three months later the non-functional stent was removed and taken for histological study. A presumed diagnosis of fungical dacryocystitis was then established. An external dacryocystorhinostomy was performed and the obtained cultures confirmed Candida albicans as the infective agent.

DISCUSSION

Only 1.2% of all dacryocystitis are due to fungal agents. This possibility must be considered when evaluating a routine chronic dacryocystitis. Cultures should be obtained when removing a nasolacrimal stent in order to rule out different causes of nasolacrymal obstruction.

[Canaliculitis caused by Actinomyces in a case of dry eye with punctal plug occlusion]

BACKGROUND

We report a case of canaliculitis caused by Actinomyces odontolyticus in a case of dry eye with punctal plugs.

CASE

A 64-year-old female with Sjögren's syndrome type of dry eye developed lacrimation, congestion in the lower palpebral conjunctiva and corneal epithelial damage in her right eye 30 months after punctal plug occlusion. After removal of the plug from lower punctum in her right eye, white material exuded from the punctum. However, even after the removal of a plug, corneal epithelial keratopathy did not get worse, implying that the granulation tissue formed by the plug completely occluded the canaliculus. Actinomices odontolyticus was cultured from the white material. One week after topical antibiotic treatment, conjunctival congestion and irritation were resolved.

CONCLUSION

This report indicates the possibility of canaliculitis as a complication of punctal plug occlusion. Careful observation is necessary after punctal occlusion with punctal plugs.

Dacryocystorhinostomy for dacryocystitis caused by methicillin- resistant Staphylococcus aureus: report of four cases

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the outcome of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for dacryocystitis caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

CASES

Four otherwise healthy patients with dacryocystitis caused by MRSA were studied (3 with chronic dacryocystitis; 1, acute dacryocystitis). Ophthalmic symptoms were epiphora with purulent discharge in 2 cases, with blepharoconjunctivitis in 1 case, and with lacrimal fistula in 1 case. Culture of the purulent discharge from the affected conjunctival sacs revealed MRSA infection. Initial treatment, which was unsuccessful, included intravenously administered common antibiotics, the use of topical antibiotics and povidone-iodine in the conjunctival sac and mupirocin ointment in the nasal cavity. Subsequently, standard DCR was performed with a bicanalicular silicone tube inserted under local anesthesia, accompanied by the administration of common antibiotics.

OBSERVATION

Cultures from all patients were negative for MRSA as soon as 4 days after DCR. None of the patients had epiphora with pus, and the lacrimal passage became patent postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Dacryocystitis due to MRSA was resistant to conservative therapy. DCR subsequent to the conservative therapy resulted in almost immediate resolution of the lacrimal fistula and nasolacrimal obstruction, rapid control of dacryocystitis, and a decrease in the period of MRSA infection in the conjunctiva and the nasal cavity.

Combined coliform and anaerobic infection of the lacrimal sac

A case is reported of combined coliform and anaerobic bacterial infection of the lacrimal sac, a condition of which there is only one other published case report. In addition, a literature review is presented of the bacteriology of acute dacryocystitis as it applies to this case. Recommendations for the microbiological investigation and management of acute dacryocystitis are made.

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy in the primary treatment of acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation

PURPOSE

To determine whether endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy may constitute effective primary treatment of acute dacryocystitis with lacrimal sac abscess formation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of a series of 24 patients with acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal sac abscess who underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy as a primary procedure. Outcome measures included resolution of signs and symptoms of acute dacryocystitis as well as intranasal ostium patency as assessed by lacrimal irrigation.

RESULTS

Pain was relieved in all patients within 3 days of surgery, and swelling resolved in all patients by 9 days after surgery. Ostium patency, as defined by the absence of epiphora, and free lacrimal irrigation was achieved in 20 (83%) of 24 patients, with follow-up of 27 to 59 months (mean, 40 months). Recurrent epiphora developed in four patients; recurrent dacryocystitis developed in none.

CONCLUSIONS

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy may be a useful option in the treatment of acute dacryocystitis with abscess formation.

Bacteriology and antibiotic therapy in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction

AIMS

To determine the current bacteriology of mucopurulent discharge in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNDO), the in vitro response to different antibiotics and clinical effectiveness of the antibiotics used to relieve babies from mucopurulent discharge.

METHODS

A clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of local antibiotic agents clinically and in vitro. 50 samples were obtained from the lacrimal sac in 47 young children with CNDO. The patients' mean age was 21.45 +/- 17.09 months. The cultures were incubated and the infectious agents isolated. Sensitivity testing was performed in each case, testing 10 different local antibiotics. A control group of 10 babies expected for cataract surgery was constituted.

RESULTS

Cultures were positive for bacteria from 72.64% of the samples. 73 isolates were recovered from the 50 samples. The bacterial species most frequently cultured was Streptococcus pneumoniae, representing 35.4% of the isolates, followed by Haemophilus influencae (19.6%). The sensitivity testing revealed ofloxacin and tetracycline to be the most effective drugs as monotherapy. Clinically the combination of bacitracin and neomycin, primarily used in half of the patients as initial therapy, was successful in curing the dacryocystitis in 82.5% of all patients.

CONCLUSION

Chronic dacryocystitis due to CNDO is associated with an equal proportion of Gram positive and negative bacteria, which can be treated with a high effectiveness by a combination drug of bacitracin and neomycin.

Brucella melitensis dacryoadenitis: a case report

PURPOSE

To present a case of brucellosis-related unilateral dacryoadenitis.

METHODS

A 16-year-old boy had unilateral lacrimal gland enlargement, shown by magnetic resonance imaging of the orbits. Clinical findings, tube agglutination, the culture of a lacrimal gland aspirate, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of brucellosis.

RESULTS

Tube agglutination testing for brucellosis gave a titer of over 1/640. The aspirate from the lacrimal glands grew Brucella melitensis and histopathological findings were consistent with brucellosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Dacryoadenitis may occur in the course of systemic brucellosis caused by Brucella melitensis.

Co-occurrence of pneumococcal keratitis and dacryocystitis

PURPOSE

To evaluate the specific risk factors responsible for the development of pneumococcal keratitis.

METHODS

In a retrospective analysis of 383 patients of culture-proven bacterial keratitis, seen between 1991 and 1995, 139 had monobacterial isolates on culture. We analyzed the various predisposing factors in these patients, with special emphasis on the patency of nasolacrimal drainage system.

RESULTS

Of the 139 patients with monobacterial keratitis, 48 (group 1) grew Streptococcus pneumoniae in culture. In the remaining 91 patients (group 2), Pseudomonas (18), coagulase-negative Staphylococci (15), Staphylococcus epidermidis (23), Staphylococcus aureus (16), Corynebacterium species (12), and others (seven) were isolated. Trauma was found to be a predisposing factor in 12 patients of group 1 and 27 patients of group 2 (p = 0.5601). Twelve (25%) patients of group 1 revealed chronic dacryocystitis, and nine of them underwent sac excision. On the contrary, only three patients of group 2 demonstrated dacryocystitis (p = 0.0003).

CONCLUSION

These results underscore the importance of assessing the patency of lacrimal drainage system in patients with infectious keratitis, especially of pneumococcal origin.

Lectin cytochemistry of the lacrimal sac epithelium in experimental dacryocystitis

PURPOSE

To study the glycoconjugates in the lacrimal sac epithelium of Japanese white rabbits with experimentally induced chronic dacryocystitis.

METHODS

Chronic dacryocystitis was induced by a subcutaneous injection of albumin followed by an injection of Staphylococcus aureus into the lacrimal sac. The histological appearance of the lacrimal sac was studied using the alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff sequence. In addition, the specific binding to the lacrimal sac epithelium of Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1, Ricinus communis agglutinin 1, peanut agglutinin, and soybean agglutinin was also studied.

RESULTS

Staining with alcian blue-periodic acid-Schiff sequence showed hyperplasia of the goblet cells in the inflamed lacrimal sac epithelium. Lectin cytochemistry revealed specific binding of Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1, Ricinus communis agglutinin 1, peanut agglutinin, and soybean agglutinin to the lacrimal sac epithelium.

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicated that the composition of glycoconjugates in the lacrimal sac epithelium is markedly changed in dacryocystitis. There seems to be a fundamental abnormality in glycoconjugate synthesis in the chronically inflamed lacrimal sac epithelium.

Lacrimal gland abscess: two case reports

BACKGROUND

Bacterial dacryoadenitis is rare and suppuration leading to abscess formation within the lacrimal gland has been very rarely reported in the antibiotic era.

METHODS

The medical records and investigation results, including computed tomography (CT), of two patients with lacrimal gland abscess were reviewed.

RESULTS

Two cases of lacrimal gland abscess, one a 28-year-old male and the other a 64-year-old female, are described. Both demonstrated a characteristic low-density area within an enlarged lacrimal gland on CT. The first case had been treated with antibiotics and the abscess, when drained, was sterile. The second case settled spontaneously. Neither patient suffered any sequelae of dry eye.

CONCLUSIONS

Although rare, lacrimal gland abscess may still occur and may require surgical drainage if spontaneous resolution does not occur.

Aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of dacryocystitis

PURPOSE

To investigate the aerobic and anaerobic microbiology of dacryocystitis.

METHOD

Retrospective review of the 62 clinical and microbiologic records collected between 1980 and 1990.

RESULTS

Aerobic or facultative bacteria were recovered in 32 cases (52%), anaerobic bacteria only in 20 cases (32%), mixed aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in seven cases (11%), and fungi in three cases (5%). A total of 94 organisms (1.5 per specimen), which included 56 aerobic or facultative anaerobic organisms, 35 anaerobic organisms, and three fungi, were recovered. The predominant aerobic and facultative bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (15 isolates), Staphylococcus epidermidis (13 isolates), and Pseudomonas species (seven isolates). The most frequently recovered anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus species (13 isolates), Propionibacterium species (12 isolates), Prevotella species (four isolates), and Fusobacterium species (three isolates). The predominant fungus was Candida albicans (two isolates). Polymicrobial infection was present in 28 cases (45%).

CONCLUSION

These data highlight the potential importance of anaerobic bacteria in dacryocystitis.

Pseudomonas dacryoadenitis secondary to a lacrimal gland ductule stone

Infectious dacryoadenitis is a rare condition. A case of Pseudomonas dacryoadenitis has not been reported previously. We treated a patient with Pseudomonas dacryoadenitis secondary to obstruction from a lacrimal gland ductule stone. Histologically, the calculus contained hairs.

Bacteriology of lacrimal duct obstruction in adults

AIMS

To determine the current bacteriology of lacrimal duct obstruction (LDO) and to relate the bacteriological findings to the type of symptoms.

METHODS

127 samples were obtained from the lacrimal sac in 118 consecutive adult patients with LDO, including nine bilateral cases.

RESULTS

Altogether, 156 isolates were recovered from the 127 samples cultured. Cultures were positive from 84% of the samples. Gram positive bacteria were isolated in 79 (62%) samples. The most frequently cultured bacterial species was Staphylococcus epidermidis, representing 27% of the isolates. Gram negative bacteria were recovered from 26 (20%) samples, and these bacteria were statistically significantly more common in cases with copious discharge than in cases with minor discharge (p = 0.000). Cases with simple stenosis of the lacrimal duct (SSLD) showed significantly less Streptococcus sp (p = 0.004) and Gram negative organisms (p = 0.004) than those with chronic dacryocystitis.

CONCLUSION

The bacteriology of SSLD resembles that of normal conjunctival flora. Chronic dacryocystitis in adults is associated with an increased proportion of Gram negative bacteria which may be a reservoir for postoperative intraocular infection. They should also be taken into account in selecting antimicrobial prophylaxis in lacrimal drainage surgery.

Parameter estimation and dosage adjustment in the treatment with vancomycin of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ocular infections

The susceptibility of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to vancomycin (VC) is excellent, but excessive dosing of VC leads to severe side effects. In this study, we present a way of administration planning for each patient based on personal data. To this end, we employed the Sawchuck-Zaske equation to calculate VC clearance (CL) and volume of distribution (Vd) on the basis of three different plasma concentrations of VC, and we used CL and Vd values as prior information before employing the parameter estimation and dosage adjustment program to treat a patient with postsurgical endophthalmitis caused by MRSA and a patient with acute dacryocystitis also caused by MRSA. They had good remissions without any severe side effects.

Ocular tuberculosis. A prospective study in a general hospital

Ocular tuberculosis has traditionally been considered uncommon or anecdotal. Imprecise and variable diagnostic criteria have contributed to the confusion surrounding this topic. The increase in extrapulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis during the AIDS era established the need for a prospective study of ocular involvement in patients with all types of tuberculosis using well-defined criteria. During a 15-month period, 300 cases had culture-proven tuberculosis at our institution. We randomly selected 100 for systematic ophthalmologic evaluation. Our criteria for ocular tuberculosis were divided as follows: certainty (isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from ocular specimens), probability (patients with isolation of M. tuberculosis from extraocular samples, with ocular lesions not attributable to other causes that respond to anti-tuberculous treatment), and possibility (same as probability but follow-up impossible). Ocular tuberculosis was present in 18 patients (18%) of which 10 patients fulfilled probability and 8 patients fulfilled possibility criteria. Eleven of 18 patients had HIV infection. In 11 patients, ocular involvement was asymptomatic. Almost all patients (17/18) had choroiditis, and other ocular lesions included papillitis, retinitis, vitritis, vasculitis, dacryoadenitis, and scleritis. Multivariate analysis showed as risk factors independently predicting ocular involvement in patients with ocular tuberculosis the presence of miliary disease (odd ratio 43.92, p = 0.002), ocular symptoms (odds ratio 6.35, p = 0.0143), and decreased visual acuity (odds ratio 0.04, p = 0.012). We observed an unexpectedly high (18%) incidence of ocular involvement, frequently asymptomatic, in patients with tuberculosis. Miliary disease is a clear predisposing factor in both HIV-infected and noninfected populations. Ocular examination should be routinely considered in patients with proven or suspected tuberculosis.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ocular infections

OBJECTIVES

To determine if the number of ocular infections associated with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is increasing, to identify predisposing factors, and to evaluate antimicrobial susceptibility.

METHODS

Retrospective review of ocular microbiology laboratory records from January 1, 1972, through December 31, 1995.

RESULTS

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was recovered from 15 cases of ocular infection, at a rate of one in every 1339 ocular specimens in the 1970s, one in 413 in the 1980s, and one in 363 in the 1990s through 1995. The organism was the predominant isolate in five cases and was part of a polybacterial infection in the remaining 10 cases. Eight of the 15 cases had bacterial keratitis, including one with infectious crystalline keratopathy. Of the remaining seven infections, S maltophilia was recovered from two cases of acute conjunctivitis, two infected scleral buckles (one with orbital cellulitis), two cases of infantile dacryocystitis, and one case of preseptal cellulitis. Ocular isolates of S maltophilia were resistant to the aminoglycosides and most beta-lactams, and showed variable susceptibility to the fluoroquinolones.

CONCLUSIONS

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is emerging as an important opportunistic ocular pathogen. Most infections by this organism occur in patients with ocular compromise, and the characteristically resistant antibiogram of S maltophilia limits the therapeutic options.

[Actinomycetes canaliculitis--case reports]

Canaliculitis is a relatively rare dacryocanal infection which occurs most unilateral. It can easily be misinterpreted and not sufficiently treated. Typical agents of the canaliculitis are actinomyces, that can cause infections of the hollow spaces with formation of concrements. The clinical courses of two patients are shown. One of them was treated for a dacryocystitis for 3 years and the other one had been referred to the eye hospital for chalazion removal. Only a microbiologic examination including cultivation of the surgically obtained dacryolithes and secretion enabled us to a reliable proof of the actinomyces and to an appropriate therapy for canaliculitis.

Lacrimal disease

Several authors have investigated the success of nasolacrimal duct intubation in children as well as the length of time for tubes to remain in place. The treatment of congenital amniocele with potential for life-threatening septicemia has been investigated. Other topics have included the bacteriology of dacryocystitis emphasizing the risk of endophthalmitis after intraocular surgery, balloon treatment for functional nasolacrimal duct obstruction, anatomical measurements of the lacrimal system relative to intracranial space, and new procedures for punctal stenosis. Diagnostic tests for epiphora and methods of punctal occlusion are evaluated.

Canaliculitis: difficulties in diagnosis, differential diagnosis and comparison between conservative and surgical treatment

The most important clinical features of canaliculitis include a red, swollen eyelid in the area of the affected canaliculus, a unilateral conjunctivitis, a mucopurulent discharge and in some cases dacryoliths visible in the lacrimal punctum. Conservative therapy was found to be little effective: only 10% of the patients could be cured, 40% showed a recurrence after conservative treatment. 20 patients (50%) were treated by canaliculotomy: 16 of these were cured by this surgical treatment, 4 patients complained of epiphora, although diagnostic syringing showed free lacrimal pathways. The surgical treatment of canaliculitis in combination with conservative therapy yields far better results than conservative therapy alone.

Propionibacterium propionicum and infections of the lacrimal apparatus

Analysis of the clinical details associated with 26 referred isolates of Propionibacterium propionicum revealed the marked propensity of this anaerobe to be involved with infections of the lacrimal apparatus; 18 (69%) of the 26 referred isolates were from cases of canaliculitis in which this organism was regarded as the significant pathogen. Further analysis of data showed a significant correlation with the sex of the patient. Of the 18 cases of canaliculitis, the sex of the patient was reported in 16; 14 (88%) of these 16 patients were females (P < .005). The age of 13 of the 18 patients with canaliculitis was known (mean, 61.6 years; range, < 1-80 years); it appears from these cases that P. propionicum lacrimal infections are more common in later life. None of the referred isolates were identified as Actinomyces species. Despite the fact that infection of the lacrimal apparatus is known as ocular actinomycosis, it appears that P. propionicum is more frequently associated with the condition than are true Actinomyces species.

Clinical bacteriology of dacryocystitis in adults

To better define the spectrum and relative incidence of pathogens causing dacryocystitis in adults, samples of purulent lacrimal sac contents were obtained from 236 patients undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy for a clinical diagnosis of dacryocystitis. Positive culture results were obtained in 52.5%. Cultures were pure, consisting of a single organism in 71%, and were mixed in 29%. Gram-positive organisms were most common, accounting for 64.5% of the isolates. Staphylococcus epidermidis, comprising 27.3% of the isolates and Staphylococcus aureus, comprising 22.1% of the isolates, were the most frequently encountered organisms. Gram-negative organisms were present in 27.3% of the isolates with Pseudomonas aeruginosa the most common, accounting for 8.7% overall. Anaerobic organisms were found in 7.0% of the isolates with Propionibacterium acnes the most frequent, recovered in 4.7% overall. Unexpected findings included the paucity of Streptococcus pneumoniae organisms recovered and the high incidence of involvement by gram-negative and anaerobic organisms.

Chronic dacryocystitis caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum

PURPOSE

To characterize the clinical presentation of Mycobacterium fortuitum dacryocystitis, an unusual microbial cause of this disease.

METHODS

The authors present a detailed description of a case of M. fortuitum chronic dacryocystitis and a review of the literature.

FINDINGS

Although M. fortuitum is a well-recognized cause of chronic keratitis and corneal ulcer, it has only been reported once previously as a cause of dacryocystitis. Multiple factors that alter the ocular environment of the host may predispose to infection with this organism. The diagnosis requires isolation of the organism in the appropriate clinical setting. The authors' case represents the first patient successfully treated with dacryocystectomy.

CONCLUSION

M. fortuitum is a rare cause of chronic dacryocystitis that may respond favorably to surgical therapy alone.

Management of acute dacryocystitis in adults

Acute dacryocystitis frequently is extremely painful and slow to resolve even with systemic antibiotic therapy. We have identified that incision, drainage, and direct application of antibiotics inside the infected sac result in almost immediate resolution of pain and rapid control of infection. This also provides optimal culture material. Twelve consecutive patients treated in this manner had rapid control of the acute infectious process. All eight patients subsequently undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy were fully cured. A total of 58.3% of the patients were infected with gram-negative rods; 50% of the isolates were resistant to most oral antibiotics.

Lacrimal sac, conjunctival, and nasal culture results in dacryocystorhinostomy patients

Chronic dacryocystitis is commonly seen in patients requiring a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). The infection may be primary, or may be secondary to an anatomical abnormality that has led to tear flow stasis. It is possible that many cases of primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction are in fact secondary to unrecognized low-grade dacryocystitis. The intent of this study was to determine what organisms grow in the lacrimal sac of patients requiring DCR. It also investigated whether or not there was a correlation between organisms cultured from the sac and from the conjunctiva and/or the nose. The results of the study indicate that there is not a clinically significant correlation. The level of obstruction does not affect whether similar organisms were cultured from the three sites.

Acquired dacryocystitis: microbiology and conservative therapy

The dacryocystitis in adults is mainly caused by postsaccal stenosis of the lacrimal ducts. The banking up of the lacrimal fluid leads to an accumulation of germs and following infection. This report describes the clinical and microbiological findings in a large consecutive series of patients that presented at the outpatient clinic of the 2nd Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Vienna with the signs of acute, chronic recurrent or chronic infections of the lacrimal system between 1983 and the end of 1990. Within the bacterial genus Staphylococci (S. aureus, S. epidermidis and S. saprophyticus) were the most frequently isolated organisms (74 cultures = 50% out of samples with positive cultures). It was quite interesting that a significant number of gram-negative rods (37 = 25.5%) could be isolated. Of these microorganisms Escherichia coli was most frequently growing on special media (17 cases = 11.7%) when cultures were obtained from acute inflamed lacrimal sacs of patients who suffered from chronic recurrent infections. Conservative therapy of purulent dacryocystitis constitutes the last possible preparation for a necessary surgical intervention and therefore the authors want to point out the importance of microbiological examinations so as to optimize antibiotic therapy.

Infections of the lacrimal system

Deficiency of the tears or obstruction to the free flow of tears predispose to infections of the lacrimal system. The relevant anatomy of the lacrimal system and the pathologic conditions leading to obstruction are outlined. The clinical manifestations of infections of the lacrimal gland, the canaliculus, and the lacrimal sac are described, and the basis for medical and surgical treatment is discussed.

Atypical presentation of fungal dacryocystitis. A report of two cases

BACKGROUND

Candida albicans has only rarely been implicated in nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Its association with dacryoliths is well known, but it is unclear whether it is an etiologic factor or is present as a result of the obstruction.

FINDINGS

The authors report 2 cases of fungal dacryocystitis that were not associated with dacryolith formation and where Candida species appear to be the primary etiologic agent.

CONCLUSION

The possibility of a fungal infection should be considered in the evaluation of "routine" chronic dacryocystitis, particularly in the presence of corneal ulceration or postoperative endophthalmitis, as prompt initiation of appropriate therapy may be crucial.

Bilateral dacryocystitis after punctal occlusion with thermal cautery

A 61-year-old woman developed acute bilateral dacryocystitis secondary to Staphylococcus aureus 3 weeks after undergoing punctal occlusion with thermal cautery for keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The dacryocystitis resolved with intravenous antibiotics, aspiration of the lacrimal sacs, injection of sulfacetamide into the lacrimal sacs, and bilateral dacryocystorhinostomy. Preexisting bilateral nasolacrimal duct obstruction was postulated as the underlying cause. In these cases, irrigation of the lacrimal system is recommended before proceeding with punctal occlusion.

Acute dacryocystitis resembling an infected subcutaneous cystic tumor

Two cases of acute dacryocystitis are described. Both cases manifested as a painful cystic tumor which enlarged suddenly with swelling of the involved cheek. The condition was quite similar to an infected epidermal cyst. The location of the tumor and an episode of epiphora are the characteristic features of this disease.

Treatment of acute dacryocystitis in neonates

Twenty-five newborns with acute dacryocystitis underwent probing of the nasolacrimal duct. All had a resolution of the acute dacryocystitis. Only one continued to have epiphora and had to undergo a subsequent probing with silicone intubation at 9 months of age. All were probed without anesthesia, being mummified and held by nurses while the author performed the probing. Only five were treated with parenteral and topical antibiotics for a week prior to probing while 20 were probed without any prior antibiotic therapy. Additionally, five of six mucoceles of the lacrimal sac which did not resolve in the 1st 2 weeks of life with massage were successfully probed without anesthesia. Four of the five mucoceles had developed an acute dacryocystitis on conservative management. Probing of the nasolacrimal duct in the newborn period is a safe and successful approach for acute dacryocystitis. It is a highly successful procedure for the treatment of acute dacryocystitis with a very low morbidity rate.

[Culture of anaerobic bacteria and antibiotic sensitivity test in ocular infectious diseases]

Anaerobes were isolated from 43.9% of 116 eyes with infectious diseases and 21.4% of 140 normal conjunctival sacs. The predominant anaerobes were peptococcus (28.6%) in the former and propionibacterium (53.3%) in the latter. In eyes with infection, only anaerobes were isolated from 27, and a mixture of anaerobes and aerobes in 24. The sensitivity of anaerobes (68 strains) to 10 antibiotics differed significantly from that of aerobes (102 strains). Most anaerobes are sensitive to chloramphenicol and cephaloridine, but not to aminoglycosides or polymyxin B. Therefore, when an ocular infection shows a negative aerobic culture, anaerobic infection should be suspected and chloramphenicol is indicated as first choice for treatment.

Fungal flora in congenital dacryocystitis

In this study, 86 eyes in 66 cases (20 bilateral) of congenital dacryocystitis were analysed for fungal growth. Fungi alone were isolated in 12 eyes (13.95%) and in 14 eyes (16.28%) together with bacteria--a total of 26 positive for fungus in 86 eyes (30.23%). These 26 eyes yielded on fungal culture a total of 28 isolates (in 2 eyes, another fungus was isolated on repeat culture). 11 types of fungi were cultured--C. albicans and A. niger accounted for 5 each out of 28. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report in the literature of fungal flora analysed in congenital dacryocystitis--not surprisingly, more than 30% of eyes were positive for fungus. Systemic studies of fungal flora in dacryocystitis are very few, and hardly any literature on this subject exists in congenital dacryocystitis. This study is an attempt to determine the frequency and clinical significance of fungi isolated from cases of congenital dacryocystitis.

Clinicobacteriological correlates of congenital dacryocystitis

One hundred and fourteen eyes with congenital dacryocystitis have been studied clinically and bacteriologically. Gram positive cocci constituted the major bacterial isolates (57.9%) with streptococcus pneumoniae predominating (28.9%). The most effective antibiotic was cloxacillin with an overall efficacy of 77%. Normal conjunctival flora was sterile in majority (75%) of cases. Positive cases showed preponderance of gram positive cocci (21.6%) with staphylococcus albus (13.3%) being the major isolate. Normal nasal flora revealed diphtheroids (alone or in combination) to be the commonest bacteria (62.1%). A statistically significant correlation was not observed between the normal conjunctival or nasal flora and flora from the affected eyes.