Lacrimal Sac Mucocele in a Newborn: A Rare Mimic of Congenital Intranasal Tumor

Abstract

Lacrimal sac mucocele, either unilateral or bilateral, occurs when the nasolacrimal duct is obstructed and is a rare anomaly in the newborn period. We presented 1 day old full-term female baby with respiratory distress. She was referred by her primary care provider for an otolaryngologic assesment with the suspicion of choanal atresia. In her nasal endoscopy, a mass with a mucosal lining was filling the right nasal cavity. Ultrasonography showed a submucosal tumorous lesion in the right nasal cavity and MRI demonstrated a unilateal lacrimal sac mucocele. In this case report, it is stressed that lacrimal sac mucocele may manifest only with intranasal mass in the newborn period; which can be misdiagnosed as a tumor. MRI is a valuable tool in its capacity to delineate many details in mucocele and may prevent unnecessary biopsies and other surgical procedures.