Endoscopic intranasal findings in unilateral primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intranasal endoscopic findings in patients with unilateral primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and compare them with the normal cohort.

METHODS: A prospective case-control study with 50 unilateral primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) and 50 healthy controls. All patients were evaluated by endoscopic nasal examination for the presence of deviated nasal septum (DNS), type of deviation (bony or cartilaginous), side of deviation, septal spurs, caudal dislocation, any turbinate hypertrophy and endoscopic features suggestive of sinusitis.

RESULTS: A significant increase in the incidence of nasal septal deviation was found in PANDO cases (60%, 30/50) compared to controls (36%; 18/50; P = 0.03). The laterality of septal deviation corresponded to the side of NLD obstruction in 90% (27/30) cases. Higher location of DNS (73% vs 22%; P = 0.0009) and bony deviation (77% vs 44%; P = 0.02) were observed among study group as compared to controls. The odds of having NLD obstruction are 2.7 times more among individuals having septal deviation versus no deviation (95% CI, 1.19-5.99).

CONCLUSION: Unilateral PANDO has a higher incidence of ipsilaterally deviated nasal septum. This association is significant. Routine nasal endoscopic examination should be performed in cases undergoing dacryocystorhinostomy to better plan a concomitant septoplasty if needed.