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New research · Ophthalmology
Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2d
Systematic reviewOphthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2026

Ethmoiditis Mimicking Acute Dacryocystitis-An Underreported Pathology.

Steffie Arès, Philippe Lavigne, Evan Kalin-Hajdu
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OphthalmologySystematic review

Free lacrimal duct irrigation distinguished this ethmoiditis mimic from true dacryocystitis in all cases

Ethmoiditis Mimicking Acute Dacryocystitis-An Underreported Pathology.

Steffie Arès … Evan Kalin-Hajdu
Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery · 2026
Purpose

To review the mechanism, differential diagnosis, and management of ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis (ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis) through a case series and prior reports.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed on PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar to capture all well-documented cases of ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis.

n = 11 patients
Results

irrigating the tear duct flowed freely, ruling out a blocked duct every time

Free lacrimal irrigati
100%
Ipsilateral anterior e
73%
More results

The current series includes 5 patients with ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis documented by a single oculofacial plastic surgeon over 24 months.

When adding 6 previously published cases, 11 patients with ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis have been reported.

More results

In all cases, ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis was considered an anterior ethmoid sinus infection extending into the orbit, adjacent to the lacrimal sac.

Recurrence after medical management occurred in 55%, who all subsequently underwent curative anterior ethmoidectomy.

“
Conclusion · 1 of 3

Ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis is an anterior ethmoid air cell infection that extends into the orbit, adjacent to the lacrimal sac.

Conclusion · 2 of 3

Ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis is underreported-as evidenced by a consistent misdiagnosis of acute dacryocystitis, as well as the current series identifying 5 cases over just 24 months.

Conclusion · 3 of 3

Greater awareness of ethmoiditis mimicking acute dacryocystitis is important, as its management differs significantly from that of dacryocystitis.

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