Nasolacrimal duct obstruction caused by lymphoproliferative infiltration in the course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the standard treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Only in rare cases, blockage may be caused by malignant tumors and even more exceptionally by lymphatic neoplasms so that biopsies are not routinely taken for diagnostic purposes. METHODS: A computerized retrieval system was used for this retrospective study to identify all patients with histologically documented lymphoproliferative infiltration in the lacrimal drainage system from 2001 to 2009. RESULTS: In four of 191 patients (2.1%), infiltration of the nasolacrimal sac mucosa with a small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)/chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL) was found. Patients who develop symptoms like epiphora within the course of known CLL are highly suspicious for lymphoproliferative infiltration of the lacrimal drainage associated lymphoid tissue. CONCLUSION: A proactive approach with ophthalmologic consultation and DCR should be followed in these patients to avoid dacryocystitis.