Chronic dacryocystitis caused by Mycobacterium fortuitum.

PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical presentation of Mycobacterium fortuitum dacryocystitis, an unusual microbial cause of this disease.

METHODS

The authors present a detailed description of a case of M. fortuitum chronic dacryocystitis and a review of the literature.

FINDINGS: Although M. fortuitum is a well-recognized cause of chronic keratitis and corneal ulcer, it has only been reported once previously as a cause of dacryocystitis. Multiple factors that alter the ocular environment of the host may predispose to infection with this organism. The diagnosis requires isolation of the organism in the appropriate clinical setting. The authors' case represents the first patient successfully treated with dacryocystectomy.

CONCLUSION

M. fortuitum is a rare cause of chronic dacryocystitis that may respond favorably to surgical therapy alone.