Pseudodacryocystitis

Pseudodacryocystitis refers to anterior ethmoidal sinus inflammation, usually with superimposed infection, extending into the adjacent lacrimal sac region and consequently giving a clinical presentation similar to dacryocystitis.

The lacrimal system drainage is commonly shown patent on clinical irrigation, c.f. dacryocystitis. And on imaging, besides the features commonly found on dacryocystitis, sinusitis in the adjacent anterior ethmoidal air cell is demonstrated associated with some erosion of the in between them.

The treatment of both entities are different after failed antibiotic therapy: anterior ethmoidectomy is performed in a patient with pseudodacryocystitis, opposed to dacryocystorhinostomy in those with dacryocystitis.