Which finding is most consistent with dacryocystitis?

Which finding is most consistent with dacryocystitis?

• A. Crusting at the eyelid margin only
• B. Purulent discharge from puncta with tenderness over lacrimal sac
• C. Chalazion-like lump on eyelid
• D. Painful vision changes

Answer: (B)

Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac due to blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. The hallmark finding is purulent discharge from the puncta together with tenderness over the lacrimal sac area (medial canthus). This reflects pus accumulating in the lacrimal sac and draining through the puncta. In contrast, crusting at the eyelid margin alone suggests blepharitis, a chalazion-like lump indicates a blocked meibomian gland, and painful vision changes point to problems involving the cornea or optic apparatus rather than the lacrimal sac.

Dacryocystitis is an infection of the lacrimal sac due to blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. The hallmark finding is purulent discharge from the puncta together with tenderness over the lacrimal sac area (medial canthus). This reflects pus accumulating in the lacrimal sac and draining through the puncta. In contrast, crusting at the eyelid margin alone suggests blepharitis, a chalazion-like lump indicates a blocked meibomian gland, and painful vision changes point to problems involving the cornea or optic apparatus rather than the lacrimal sac.