Clinicopathologic analysis of 166 patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of lacrimal sac pathology in patients undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO).

DESIGN

Observational case series.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred sixty-six patients with symptoms of PANDO.

METHODS

A total of 202 lacrimal sac biopsies were obtained from 166 patients undergoing external DCR procedures for symptoms of PANDO.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient demographics, presenting symptoms and signs, relevant history, and assessment of the nasolacrimal system were recorded. All lacrimal biopsy specimens were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

A total of 118 patients (71%) were female and 48 patients (29%) were male. The mean age was 60.7 years (range, 21-93 years). All patients demonstrated epiphora, and 32 patients had dacryocystitis. Duration of symptoms ranged from 6 weeks to 50 years. No lacrimal sac tumors were detected. Sixty-five percent of specimens demonstrated chronic inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

No neoplasms were detected among 202 lacrimal sac specimens from 166 patients with symptoms of PANDO. Most lacrimal sac specimens demonstrated chronic inflammatory changes. We conclude that a lacrimal sac biopsy should be performed when there is suspicion of a neoplasm based on the clinical, historical, or intraoperative findings, rather than routine biopsy of all patients with PANDO.