Dacryoliths in chronic dacryocystitis and their composition (spectrophotometric analysis)

Purpose. To present the findings from histological and chemical analysis of large dacryoliths and correlate them with previous reports. Materials and Methods. Dacryoliths were found in 8% of 216 dacryocystorhino stomy operations. In two cases with mild chronic dacryocystitis, large dacr yoliths were extracted. The first case was a 42-year-old male with three da cryoliths in a lacrimal sac, presenting diverticulum-like formations, the s econd was a 22-year-old woman with one dacryolith at the entrance of the na solacrimal duct. Chemical analysis was based on atomic absorption spectroph otometry (F.AAS) and on atomic emission spectrometry (AES). tight histologi cal examination was also done. Results/Conclusions. The findings were the same in both cases. Histological examination revealed amorphous organic material, and limited areas with th e characteristics of calcium salt depositions. Chemical analysis showed mai nly organic material with only minimal inorganic material. Explanations are offered about the formation of these dacryoliths.