title: Lacrimal canalicular stenosis associated with systemic 5-fluorouacil therapy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Ocular side effects of systemic 5-fluorouracil therapy include excessive lacrimation which often resolves on cessation of therapy. Permanent stenosis of lacrimal puncta and canaliculi is rare. This report highlights this uncommon complication of 5-fluorouracil therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Report of two cases and review of literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Severe stenosis of puncta and canaliculi may be associated with prolonged systemic 5-fluorouracil therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It is important for both the oncologist and ophthalmologist to be aware of the potential ocular toxicity of 5-fluorouracil. Surgical management to relieve the epiphora is often challenging, and early intervention may be beneficial.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, Arrowe Park Hospital, Upton, Wirral, United Kingdom. somprasad@bigfoot.com
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Prasad
authors.forename: G G
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Kamath
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Phillips
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D003082:Colectomy; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D003608:Dacryocystorhinostomy; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007767:Lacrimal Duct Obstruction / Q000139:chemically induced*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D005472:Fluorouracil