Congenital Lacrimal Fistulas

Unilateral Congenital Double Lacrimal Sac Fistula

“…Congenital lacrimal fistula are uncommon developmental anomalies of the nasolacrimal excretory system with an estimated incidence of one in , 2000 births [3,10,11] and occasionally can be inherited in an autosomal dominant [1, 4,7,11] or recessive pattern [1, 3,4,9]. They are usually unilateral [2, 3,5,12] but familial cases are associated with higher incidence of bilaterally [4,9].…”

“…The fistulae can originate from common canaliculus, lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct of skin [4][5][6][7]. In 1675, the first description of congenital lacrimal sac was reported by Rasor [7][8][9].…”

“…The pathogenesis of lacrimal sac fistula is uncertain [7,8,10,12]. Some authors suggest the following explanation: a failure of the surface ectoderm to fuse after invagination of the epithelial cord [10]; an overdevelopment or out budding of the lacrimal duct ; an abnormality of amniotic bands ; a primary developmental arrest with secondary inflammation; an incomplete closure of the embryonic facial fissure [7,8,12]; that the lacrimal fistula is really an extra canaliculus extending from the common canaliculus to the skin in the medial canthal area while the superior and inferior canaliculi are also being formed [7] and that a defect interfering with the invagination, burial, and later tissue remodeling of the surface ectoderm cord was responsible [12].…”

Management of Lacrimal Fistula during Epicanthoplasty: A Case Report

“…In some cases, these may result from a secondary cause. However, most cases are congenital; therefore, congenital LF is the most accurate term for this condition [1]. The incidence of congenital LF is estimated to be 1 in 2000 births, and occasionally LF can be inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive pattern [3][4][5].…”

“…Lacrimal fistulas (LFs), also known as lacrimal anlage ducts, are supernumerary lacrimal canaliculi that connect the skin to the common canaliculus or the lacrimal sac [1,2]. In some cases, these may result from a secondary cause.…”