SYMPTOMATIC LACRIMAL DUCT DIVERTICULUM ASSOCIATED WITH CLOSED NASAL FRACTURE

Diverticula of the nasolacrimal collecting system are rare. Their caus e may be congenital, inflammatory, or traumatic. A diverticulum of the nasolacrimal duct that presented 26 years after nasal trauma is descr ibed. The location of this diverticulum is extremely uncommon, and a c ase occurring after closed nasal trauma has not yet been presented. Ev aluative studies and pertinent anatomy are reviewed. In any patient wi th recurrent dacryocystitis after nasal fracture, the diagnosis of a l acrimal system diverticulum should be considered. A detailed history a nd physical examination combined with dacryocystography can be confirm atory. Treatment should consist of surgical exploration with a nasolac rimal system bypass procedure.