Actinomycotic canaliculitis: Resolution following surgery and short topical antibiotic treatment

Purpose: 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.