Obstructive congenital dacryocystoceles

Obstructions of the nasolacrimal duct occur frequently (70%) in term newbor ns and are symptomatic in 6%. The reason is an incomplete canalization and differentiation of the lacrimal duct during the fetal period. A persisting membran between the duct and the nasal cavity at the level of the valve of Hasner in combination with a proximal valvelike obstruction at the junction of the lacrimal canal and sac may cause a dacryocystocele by fluid accumul ation. We describe a term newborn with a bilateral dacryocystocele and resp iratory distress. Discussion:The bilateral dacryocystocele can cause respir atory distress in newborns and appears clinically like a choanal stenosis. The surgical removal of the intranasal cysts leads to a prompt healing.