Dacryolithiasis (in Ackerman's Surgical Pathology 7Ed.)

Dacryolithiasis and concretions in the lacrimal canaliculus ("tear stones") are of uncertain pathogenesis, but they are generally believed to be the result of low-grade inflammatory processes, including mycoses. If such concretions are crushed and examined microscopically, they will be seen to contain myriad mycelial elements (X40) (Grocott Stain x 200) embedded in a relatively acellular matrix (PAS x 400). Others, however, are laminated, mineralized stones with recognizable fungous or bacterial forms.

American Journal of Neuroradiology 26:2640-2641, November-December 2005

CT Demonstration of Dacryolithiasis Complicated by Dacryocystitis

From the Department of Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI

Summary: Cross-sectional imaging has demonstrated an increasing role in the evaluation of the orbits and the periorbital structures. The case presented in this article demonstrates the rare finding of a dacryolith by CT. To our knowledge, little has been reported on cross-sectional imaging characteristics of this entity in the recent radiologic literature. We demonstrated that CT can be a useful tool in diagnosing both dacryolithiasis and dacryocystitis. Obtaining an early diagnosis of dacryolithiasis is optimal to avoid potential complications, particularly because treatment is often curative.