Canalicular infection caused by Actinomyces

Abstract

We present 7 cases of canalicular involvement with Actin-omyces collected over a 5-year period. All patients had involvement of one canaliculus, upper or lower, with lac-rimal drainage patent to syringing. Curettings obtained by incising the involved canaliculi yielded Actinomyces species (5 cases) and Arachnia propionica (2 cases), typically in association with a mixed bacterial growth. Our results show that these patients often remain undiag-nosed for months or even years, and are treated in-appropriately for their recurrent symptoms. Despite sensitivity of Actinomyces to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, medical therapy alone does not eradicate the disease, and surgical evacuation of all concretions is essential to achieve a cure. © 1993, College of Ophthalmologists. All right reserved.