A huge lacrimal gland ductule dacryolith with a hairy nucleus: a case report

Abstract

BackgroundDacryoliths in lacrimal gland ductule are a rare condition and an unusual cause of conjunctivitis. Here we report a case with a large lacrimal gland ductule stone with an unique hairy nucleus.Case presentationA 38-year-old female presented with a red left eye for one month. Physical examination revealed an inflammatory granuloma in the lateral canthus and a fistula with purulent secretion. Antibiotics did not ameliorate the symptoms. After we incised the fistula, a huge dacryolith (10 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm) was identified at the end of the dilated lacrimal gland ductule and was removed surgically. Histopathologic examination showed a hairy nucleus surrounded by lamellar structure. The symptoms were resolved in 2 weeks after dacryolith extraction. The formation of the hair-centered dacryolith might be associated with the patient’s personal history of being a rabbit raiser for years.ConclusionWe should be aware of lacrimal gland ductule dacryolith as a rare cause of conjunctivitis. The relationship between dacryolithiasis and fur-bearing animal raising warrants further investigation.

Large Number of Eyelashes in the Lacrimal Sac Found by Dacryoendoscopy: A Case Report

“…There were many white deposits on the eyelashes. Dacryoliths with hair nuclei have been found and reported not only in the lacrimal sac but also in lacrimal gland ductules [12, 13]. Mano reported that the core proteins of dacryoliths can be characterized by immune and inflammatory responses, as confirmed by the top 20 abundant proteins [14].…”

Spontaneous Extrusion of a Conjunctivolith Containing Herpes Virus Confirmed by Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy

“…Possible etiologies include stone formation around eyelashes and animal hair (particularly relevant for those working as rabbit raisers), and perhaps related to dacryoadenitis, which itself may be caused by infection. 7,11 The most recent case report by Othman et al from Japan in 2019, in this journal, discussed a lacrimal gland stone related to recurrent acute dacryoadenitis. Othman et al questioned whether the stone resulted from the dacryoadenitis, or whether the stone may have been the original cause of the dacryoadenitis.…”