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 dacryocystorhinostomy operations. In two cases with mild chronic dacryocystitis, large dacryoliths were extracted. The first case was a 42-year-old male with three dacryoliths in a lacrimal sac, presenting diverticulum-like formations, the second was a 22-year-old woman with one dacryolith at the entrance of the nasolacrimal duct. Chemical analysis was based on atomic absorption spectrophotometry (F.AAS) and on atomic emission spectrometry (AES). Light histological examination was also done. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: The findings were the same in both cases. Histological examination revealed amorphous organic material, and limited areas with the characteristics of calcium salt depositions. Chemical analysis showed mainly organic material with only minimal inorganic material. Explanations are offered about the formation of these dacryoliths.