A huge lacrimal gland ductule dacryolith with a hairy nucleus: a case report

BACKGROUND: Dacryoliths in lacrimal gland ductule are a rare condition and an unusual cause of conjunctivitis. Here we report a case with a large lacrimal gland ductule stone with an unique hairy nucleus. CASE PRESENTATION: A 38-year-old female presented with a red left eye for one month. Physical examination revealed an inflammatory granuloma in the lateral canthus and a fistula with purulent secretion. Antibiotics did not ameliorate the symptoms. After we incised the fistula, a huge dacryolith (10 mm × 5 mm × 3 mm) was identified at the end of the dilated lacrimal gland ductule and was removed surgically. Histopathologic examination showed a hairy nucleus surrounded by lamellar structure. The symptoms were resolved in 2 weeks after dacryolith extraction. The formation of the hair-centered dacryolith might be associated with the patient’s personal history of being a rabbit raiser for years. CONCLUSION: We should be aware of lacrimal gland ductule dacryolith as a rare cause of conjunctivitis. The relationship between dacryolithiasis and fur-bearing animal raising warrants further investigation.