A Case Report of Bilateral Congenital Lacrimal Sac Fistula with Cleft Ear Lobe

Lee, Han Jung; Choi, Hwan Jun; Choi, Chang Yong

Abstract

PURPOSE: A congenital lacrimal sac fistula is unusual and consists of a dimple opening below the medial canthal tendon that leads to the lacrimal sac. This anlage ducts occur when the lacrimal anlage cells proliferate and canalize rather than involute. And, the anomaly is usually not associated with any systemic abnormalities. Also congenital cleft of the earlobes is rarely seen among congenital ear anomalies. Therefore, we report rare case with symptomatic bilateral lacrimal fistula with the ear cleft.
METHODS
A 4-year-old boy was admitted with aggravated chronic maxillary sinusitis, recurrent chronic dacryocystitis, and epiphora. He had two minor anomalies including bilateral lacrimal fistula originated in lacrimal tear sac and unilateral transverse ear cleft. The patient had been operated with fistulectomy and perioperative antibiotics. A small vertical ellipse is made around the opening with sharp dissection. The tract is excised using the probe as the guide. Another probe is placed through the lower canaliculus to prevent the damage. A suture ligature of 6-0 Maxon is placed around the deepest point of the tract, which is then excised. Additional sutures are placed in the tissues to form a tight closure to prevent reestablishment of the fistula. The skin is closed with 6-0 Black Silk.
RESULTS
The patient recovered well without any complications such as infection, epiphora, and obstruction of lacrimal sac.
CONCLUSION
Our case illustrates bilateral lacrimal anlage ducts in a patient with unilateral congenital ear cleft. We recommend careful evaluation of lacrimal system in these patients, especially bilateral case and other congenital anomalies. Finally, we recommend excision of the ducts when epiphora, infection, or chronic skin irritation occur.