Intranasal Mucocele of the Nasolacrimal Duct: An Important Cause of Neonatal Nasal Obstruction

Anterior nasal obstruction secondary to cystic or solid masses is believed to be uncommon. Previous single or series case reports of intranasal mucoceles of the nasolacrimal duct have been published in otolaryngology, ophthalmology, or radiology journals but were not found in general pediatric journals. A 5-year retrospective chart review from our children’s hospital found 10 previously unreported cases of intranasal mucocele of the lacrimal duct causing neonatal nasal obstruction. The purpose of this report is to familiarize pediatricians with this entity, which was the most common cause of anatomic anterior nasal obstruction at our hospital.