Does Helicobacter Pylori Play a Role in Pathogenesis of Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction?

"nNasolacrimal duct obstruction is a common ophthalmic problem, comprising 3% of clinic visits in some series. Primary acquired dacryostenosis results from inflammation of unknown cause that eventually leads to occlusive fibrosis. Helicobacter pylori is a microaerophilic, Gram-negative spiral organism that has been shown to be the causative factor in a large proportion of patients with gastric ulcer and gastritis. Until now, no attempt has been made to investigate the prevalence of H. pylori in idiopathic acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction and its relationship with the pathophysiology of this entity."nWe suggest two hypotheseses to explain possible role of H. pylori infection in pathogenesis of nasolacrimal duct obstruction: Direct transmission of H. Pylori infection from the nasal cavity to nasolacrimal duct and release of proinflammatory and vasoactive substances.