Lacrimal canaliculitis

Abstract

Canaliculitis is an uncommon, often misdiagnosed diagnosis because canaliculitis can mimic many other common ocular conditions. Canaliculitis should be appropriately diagnosed and treated to avoid recurrent inflammation and possible obstruction of the upper portion of the lacrimal system. This review will serve as a concise resource to aid in diagnosis and provide updated management options.

Clinical features, microbiological profiles and treatment outcome of lacrimal plug-related canaliculitis compared with those of primary canaliculitis

“…In our study, the most common isolate of plug-related canaliculitis is P. aeruginosa , followed by P. acnes and Staphylococcus sp. The low incidence of the isolation of Actinomyces in the current study may be due to its fastidious nature or the propensity for a polymicrobial aetiology of canaliculitis which makes it hard to grow from routine conjunctival eye swabs 17. Innoculums placed on blood agar, chocolate agar, Sabouraud dextrose agar and PD Plus/F blood culture bottle (Beckton, Dickinson & Co., Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, USA) and incubated anaerobically have been reported to improve the detection rate of Actinomyces sp 3 20 21.…”

“…Actinomyces israelli is often considered as the most common isolated microorganism in primary canaliculitis 17. Some recent studies demonstrate greater rates of infection with Streptococcal and Staphylococcal spp as causative microorganisms 9 18.…”

Canaliculitis masquerading as Dacryocystitis: Rhinologist's Dilemma

“…Though, on culture, no growth was seen as culturing of Actinomyces is difficult due to its anaerobic nature. 1 It was concluded that concretions which do not grow characteristic findings of Actinomyces or other organism may simply be sterile necrotic tissue and debris.…”

“…Canaliculitis is an inflammation of the lacrimal canaliculi caused by infection or as a complication of punctal plug insertion. 1 It is often misdiagnosed leading to a delay in diagnosis. 2 Canaliculitis is an uncommon condition, often can mimic many other common ocular conditions.…”

“…It should be appropriately diagnosed and treated to avoid recurrent inflammation and possible obstruction of the upper portion of the lacrimal system. 1 It is of utmost importance for rhinologists to be well versed with conditions of the proximal lacrimal pathway, such as canaliculitis since it can masquerade as chronic dacryocystitis. Careful clinical examination of the medial can thus alert the physician to that diagnosis.…”