Dacryocystocele on prenatal ultrasonography: diagnosis and postnatal outcomes

Is congenital dacryocystocele a benign, self-limited disorder? A review of the literature with four new cases

Congenital dacryocystocele (CD) is a rare disorder about which little is known. A nonsystematic review was performed with an addition of four new cases. Thirty-seven studies were reviewed. The mean gestational age at evaluation was 32 ± 1.09 weeks suggesting that CD is a disorder of late second and third trimester. The mean diameter of dacryocystocele was 7.5 ± 1 mm. The overall associated fetal anomaly rate was 10.7%. In-utero resolution, neonatal resolution, and surgical management was concluded in 62% (n = 108), 29% (n = 52), and 8% (n = 14), respectively. In conclusion, the need for surgical correction and rate of accompanying fetal anomaly was found high.

Maternal and fetal incidental findings on antenatal magnetic resonance imaging

BACKGROUND

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations are increasingly used in antenatal clinical practice. Incidental findings are a recognized association with imaging and although in some circumstances their identification can alter management, they are often associated with increased anxiety, for both patient and clinician, as well as increased health care costs.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of unexpected findings in both the mother and fetus during antenatal MRI examinations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective study was undertaken over a five-year period at St.. Thomas' Hospital in London. Maternal incidental findings were recorded from all clinical reports of all fetal MRIs performed (for clinical reasons and in healthy volunteers) during this period. Fetal incidental findings were recorded only in cases where women with uncomplicated pregnancies were participating as healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

A total of 2,569 MRIs were included; 17% of women had maternal incidental findings. Of these, 1,099 were women with uncomplicated pregnancies who undertook research MRIs as healthy volunteers; fetal incidental findings were identified in 12.3%.

CONCLUSION

Incidental findings are a common occurrence in antenatal MRI. Consideration should be given to counseling women appropriately before imaging and ensuring that robust local protocols are in place for follow-up and further management of such cases.

Outcomes of lacrimal probing surgery as the first option in the treatment of congenital dacryocystocele

PURPOSE

To determine the demographic and clinical characteristics of newborn patients who underwent lacrimal probing surgical intervention with or without the marsupialization of intranasal cysts as the primary management for dacryocystocele treatment.

METHODS

Data from the medical charts of 350 infants who underwent lacrimal probing surgery due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction were reviewed retrospectively. Ten newborn patients with a naive diagnosis of congenital dacryocystocele were included in the study. Congenital dacryocystocele diagnosis was based on a triad of swelling in the inner canthal region, a bluish appearance, and epiphora. Lacrimal probing surgery accompanied by nasal endoscopy was planned for all patients as the first treatment option.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 24.90 ± 7.15 days, with a range of 6-85 days. A total of 10 patients were included, comprising seven females and three males. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 38.7 ± 24.41 months. Five patients had left, four patients had right, and one patient had bilateral dacryocystocele. Seven eyes of the six patients had uncomplicated dacryocystocele, while the remaining patients had dacryocystocele with complications of dacryocystitis and/or preseptal cellulitis. All patients had intranasal cysts. All patients underwent one session of lacrimal probing surgery under general anesthesia; all with successful outcomes. Four patients with additional dacryocystocele-associated complications underwent combined intranasal marsupialization of the cyst wall.

DISCUSSION

Lacrimal probing surgery ± intranasal marsupialization of the cyst wall as a first treatment option can be effective for both congenital dacryocystocele and/or congenital dacryocystocele plus associated complications and provide complete resolution of dacryocystocele-related symptoms.

Bilateral Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Cyst: A Rare Cause of Nasal Obstruction

Nasal obstruction in neonates often results in respiratory discomfort, as neonates are obligate nasal breathers. Congenital bilateral nasal obstruction is an emergency situation which is generally secondary to choanal atresia. Rarely bilateral nasolacrimal duct (NLD) cyst causing intranasal swelling may be the underlying etiology. Neonatal respiratory distress warrants immediate measures to secure the airway and prompt investigations to reach a diagnosis for a definitive management. We describe a case of two-day-old girl with intermittent breathing difficulty because of bilateral NLD cysts causing nasal obstruction. The patient improved with conservative medical management.

Congenital Dacryocystocele: A Major Review

PURPOSE

To provide a systematic review of the literature on congenital dacryocystoceles (CDCs) and summarize their presentations, investigations, management, and outcomes.

METHODS

The authors performed a PubMed search of all articles published in English on CDCs. Data captured include demographics, clinical presentations, investigations, management modalities, complications, and outcomes. Fourteen major series (10 or more than 10 cases) and 89 isolated case reports/series on CDCs with a collective patient pool of 1,063 were studied in detail. Specific emphasis was laid on addressing the controversial issues including initial conservative versus surgical management and the role of endoscopic evaluation.

RESULTS

Numerous terminologies have been used to describe CDC. Congenital dacryocystoceles are rare variants of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions and comprise of 0.1% to 0.3% of all such cases. There is a female predilection (64.2%, 683/1,063) and the mean age at presentation is at 7 days of birth. Initial conservative treatment can be a viable option in the absence of an acute dacryocystitis or a respiratory distress. Endoscopy-assisted probing appears to have better outcomes as compared with the in-office probing. Congenital dacryocystoceles with acute dacryocystitis are preferably managed with intravenous antibiotics and an early probing under endoscopy guidance to avoid missing intranasal cysts. Marsupialization is the preferred technique in the management of intranasal cysts. Silicone intubation was rarely used and has no definitive indications. Dacryocystorhinostomy is very rarely needed in the management of CDC.

CONCLUSIONS

Congenital dacryocystocele is a commonly accepted term and its use should be advocated to enhance uniformity in reporting. Endoscopic evaluation of CDC is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of associated intranasal cysts and enhances the rates of successful outcomes.

A Comprehensive Review of Cross-Sectional Imaging of the Nasolacrimal Drainage Apparatus: What Radiologists Need to Know

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of the radiographic anatomy and cross-sectional imaging findings of the full gamut of nasolacrimal drainage apparatus diseases, highlighting imaging findings from the different nasolacrimal drainage apparatus surgeries, posttreatment complications, and potential imaging pitfalls. CONCLUSION. Radiologists play a critical role in guiding the management of nasolacrimal drainage apparatus diseases and should be familiar with the anatomy and characteristic imaging findings of commonly encountered nasolacrimal drainage apparatus abnormalities and surgeries.

Ultrasonographic prenatal imaging of fetal ocular and orbital abnormalities

Technological progress in medicine has provided earlier diagnosis, even into the prenatal period. We address ultrasonographic imaging of the prenatal eye and orbit. During development of these structures, multiple pathologies and diseases can arise. Orbital anomalies can be detected prenatally using ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Some of these include congenital cataracts, hypertelorism, hypotelorism, dacryocystocele, microphthalmia, anophthalmia, orbital tumors/masses, and septo-optic dysplasia. We describe characteristic ultrasound findings of these diseases. Prenatal ocular and orbital diagnosis is best facilitated by a team approach between ophthalmology, radiology, obstetrics, neonatology, and genetic counselors to optimize diagnostic accuracy, familial expectations, and early treatment.

Long-term outcomes of cruciate marsupialization of intra-nasal cysts in patients with congenital dacryocele

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the long-term outcomes of cruciate marsupialization of intranasal cysts associated with congenital dacryocele.

METHODS

This is a retrospective review of 15 patients of dacryoceles with intranasal cysts who underwent cruciate marsupialization of the medial wall of the cyst. Post-operative follow up for a minimum of 9 months was an inclusion criterion for analysis. Data analyzed include demographics, clinical presentations, previous interventions, associated systemic abnormalities, clinical course following marsupialization and recurrences. Primary outcome measures were resolution of the dacryocele and symptomatic relief from epiphora.

RESULTS

The mean age at presentation was 1.6 months with a female preponderance (60%). History of prematurity (pre-term) was noted in 20% (3/15). Swelling in the lacrimal sac area (dacryocele) was the universal presentation. Five patients (33.3%) had a prior conservative treatment. Four patients (26.6%) had respiratory distress with feeding. Acute dacryocystitis was noted in 26.6% (4/15). At a mean follow up of 19.1 months, successful outcomes were achieved in 86.6%.

CONCLUSION

Cruciate marsupialization of intranasal cysts achieves good results in patients with congenital dacryocele, which are maintained over a long period of time. Early diagnosis and management may prevent acute dacryocystitis in these patients.