Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine
  • 2 Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine
  • 3 Haematology-Oncology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
J Pediatr Hematol Oncol, 2021 04 01;43(3):101-103.
PMID: 33560075 DOI: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000002077

Abstract

Hemolacria is a rare condition that causes a person to produce tears that are partially composed of blood. It can be a presenting feature of certain ocular and systemic conditions. Here, the authors describe an interesting case of a 12-year-old boy with an underlying beta-thalassemia trait, who presented with a 2-day history of bilateral blood-stained tears, and an episode of epistaxis. Ocular examination was normal, and syringing showed no nasolacrimal duct blockage. Systemic examination was unremarkable. Laboratory investigations confirmed type 2 von Willebrand disease. Management of hemolacria remains a clinical challenge given the rare occurrence of the disease. In this case report, the authors discuss the differential diagnosis and management approach to hemolacria.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.