Dacryoliths are uncommon causes of partial or complete obstruction of the nasolacrimal drainage apparatus. We report our findings of a dacryolith that we studied by culture, light microscopy, atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and scanning electron microscopy. Although no fungi were recovered by culturing, hyphae-like structures were observed. No inorganic material was detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Scanning electron microscopy of ultrastructure showed the stone was composed of lobes and lobules built on an amorphous core material.
GonneringR.S., BosniakS.L.Recognition and management of acute non infectious dacryocystic retention.Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg1989; 5(1): 27–33.
2.
FineM., WaringW.S.Mycotic obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct (Candida albicans).Arch Ophthalmol1947; 38: 39–42.
3.
JayJ.L., LeeW.R.Dacryolith formation around an eyelash retained in the lacrimal sac.Br J Ophthalmol1976; 60: 722–5.
4.
BradburyJ.A., RennieI.G., ParsonsM.A.Adrenalin dacryolith: detection by ultrasound examination of the nasolacrimal duct.Br J Ophthalmol1988; 72: 935–7.
5.
BaratzK.H., GeorgeB.B., CampbellR.J., GarrityJ.A.An eyelash nidus for dacryoliths of the lacrimal excretory and secretory systems.Am J Ophthalmol1991; 111: 624–7.
