Lacrimal sac diverticula associated with a patent lacrimal system.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features of lacrimal sac diverticula.

METHODS

Orbital masses were evaluated in 3 patients. One patient had a large tumor extending from the medial orbit associated with upward globe displacement, one had a mass inferior to the medial canthus, and one had an inflamed mass in the right lower lid. Two of the patients had no history of chronic epiphora, sinus disease, or nasal trauma. In all patients, irrigation demonstrated lacrimal drainage system patency.

RESULTS

Surgical exploration confirmed the diagnosis of lacrimal sac diverticulum in all patients. Two diverticula were associated with a dacryolith. Each patient was successfully managed with excision of the diverticulum and dacryocystorhinostomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Lacrimal sac diverticula should be considered in the diagnosis of medial orbital tumors, and computed tomography is useful in the diagnosis of lacrimal sac diverticula.