Actinomycotic canaliculitis: resolution following surgery and short topical antibiotic treatment.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to study the incidence and clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with actinomycotic canaliculitis in Iceland.


METHODS
We present a nationwide, retrospective case series for which cases were identified by searches of hospital diagnostic registries and pathology databases. Case histories were reviewed and histopathological analysis repeated to confirm the diagnosis.


RESULTS
Nine cases of actinomycotic canaliculitis were diagnosed in Iceland during 1988-2007. Subjects included six women and three men and represented 16% of all patients diagnosed with actinomycosis in the country. The incidence was 0.16 cases/100 000 inhabitants/year. Age-specific incidence rates were 0.59 cases/100 000 inhabitants/year for the 40-59-year-old age group and 1.37 cases/100 000 inhabitants/year for individuals aged 60-79 years. All patients underwent a three-way snip procedure and 1 week of topical antibacterial therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Actinomycotic canaliculitis is an uncommon condition which frequently eludes diagnosis. Topical antibiotics for 1 week may be sufficient following surgery, a finding which contrasts with previous reports.
Baldursdóttir
Eyrún
E
Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Iceland Medical School, Reykjavik, Iceland.
Sigurdsson
Haraldur
H
Jónasson
Lárus
L
Gottfredsson
Magnús
M
D000190:Actinomyces / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D000196:Actinomycosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015818:Eye Infections, Bacterial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007055:Iceland / Q000453:epidemiology; D015994:Incidence; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents