Canaliculitis
Alerts and Notices
Synopsis
Canaliculitis can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogen. The most common pathogen is Actinomyces israelii (Streptothrix), an anaerobic filamentous gram-positive bacterium.
Patients typically present with chronic unilateral conjunctivitis, epiphora and/or mucopurulent discharge, lower eyelid erythema, and a red, pouting punctum. Canaliculitis is often mistaken for conjunctivitis, and patients describe being treated for months with topical antibiotics with no improvement.
Early diagnosis and prompt treatment with conservative therapies may lead to resolution without recurrence and without the need for invasive surgery.
Codes
ICD10CM:H04.339 – Acute lacrimal canaliculitis of unspecified lacrimal passage
H04.429 – Chronic lacrimal canaliculitis of unspecified lacrimal passage
SNOMEDCT:
93129004 – Lacrimal canaliculus inflamed
Look For
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
- Dacryocystitis
- Hordeolum and chalazion
- Chronic conjunctivitis
- Migrated punctual plug
- Lacrimal canalicular carcinoma (extremely rare)
Best Tests
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Management Pearls
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Therapy
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Drug Reaction Data
Below is a list of drugs with literature evidence indicating an adverse association with this diagnosis. The list is continually updated through ongoing research and new medication approvals. Click on Citations to sort by number of citations or click on Medication to sort the medications alphabetically.Subscription Required
References
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Last Reviewed:05/25/2017
Last Updated:06/14/2018
Last Updated:06/14/2018
Canaliculitis