Cytologic Diagnosis of Actinomycotic Canaliculitis

Canaliculitis is an uncommon lacrimal drainage disorder often presenting with persistent discharge and misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis or dacryocystitis. We describe a case of a 39-year-old woman with a 6-month history of mucopurulent discharge and discomfort in the left eye. Clinical examination revealed inflammation of the lower punctum and yellow granular discharge. Curettage of the canaliculus under local anesthesia extracted yellow granules, raising a strong suspicion of actinomycetes canaliculitis. Cytological examination confirmed the diagnosis of Actinomyces canaliculitis. This case highlights the significance of clinical diagnosis in canaliculitis and the importance of prompt surgical and medical management even in the absence of laboratory reports.