Differential Diagnosis for Blood from Tear Duct
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction with Hemorrhage: This condition is a common cause of bloody tears, especially in infants, but can also occur in adults. The obstruction can lead to increased pressure and subsequent hemorrhage into the tear duct.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Trauma to the Eye or Face: Any form of trauma can cause bleeding into the tear ducts, leading to blood-tinged tears. The severity of the trauma can vary from minor to severe.
- Infections or Inflammations: Conditions like dacryocystitis (infection of the lacrimal sac) or canaliculitis (infection of the canaliculi) can cause bloody discharge due to inflammation and potential hemorrhage.
- Tumors: Benign or malignant tumors in the lacrimal sac or nasolacrimal duct can cause bleeding, though this is less common.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Malignant Tumors of the Nasolacrimal Duct or Lacrimal Sac: Although rare, these can present with bloody tears and are critical to diagnose early due to their potential for aggressive behavior and poor prognosis if not treated promptly.
- Invasive Fungal Sinusitis: This condition can erode into the orbit and cause bloody tears among other symptoms. It is particularly dangerous and requires immediate attention, especially in immunocompromised patients.
- Carotid-Cavernous Fistula: This vascular abnormality can lead to increased pressure in the orbital veins, potentially causing bloody tears. It's a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome): A genetic disorder that leads to the formation of abnormal blood vessels, which can cause bleeding in various parts of the body, including the eyes.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the glands that produce tears and saliva, but can also lead to inflammation and potentially bloody tears in rare cases.
- Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): A rare autoimmune disorder that can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes, and cause symptoms such as bloody tears due to inflammation and vascular damage.