Nasal polyps herniating through lacrimal-nasal bony ostium mimicking dacryocystocele: a rare cause of DCR failure.

PURPOSE

To describe a rare cause of dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) failure resulting from polyps herniating through the lacrimal-nasal ostium in a patient with severe, recurrent nasal polyposis.

DESIGN/METHODS: Observational case report. Clinical practice setting.

RESULTS

Five years after DCR surgery, a 65-year-old male patient presented with epiphora and a soft cystic enlargement in the lacrimal sac area mimicking a dacryocystocele. The Jones 1 test was negative but the Jones 2 test positive. Computer tomography (CT) showed bilateral obstruction of the nasal space by soft tissue, herniating through the lacrimal-nasal ostium, suggestive of recurrent nasal polyposis. Transnasal polypectomy was performed, which re-established tear-drainage to the nose.

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent nasal polyposis may lead to DCR failure and may give rise to a soft tissue swelling at the site of previous DCR surgery.