Open AccessLacrimal canalicular stenosis associated with systemic 5‐fluorouracil therapy
Author(s) -
Prasad Somdutt,
Kamath Girish G.,
Phillips Russell P.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1600-0420
pISSN - 1395-3907
DOI - 10.1034/j.1600-0420.2000.078001110.x
Subject(s) - medicine , lacrimal canaliculi , fluorouracil , stenosis , complication , systemic therapy , bone canaliculus , surgery , pathology , chemotherapy , cancer , breast cancer
. Purpose: 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. Conclusion: 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.